European Commission chief unveils specifics of 17th round of sanctions against Russia
Fresh Take:
The European Union (EU) is gearing up to hit Russia with a 17th round of sanctions, and it's setting its sights on a whopping 189 vessels, nicknamed the "shadow fleet," that are helping Russia evade current export restrictions. According to recent reports, these measures could be officially implemented next week.
An informal gathering of EU ambassadors agreed on this latest round of sanctions against Russia, reported by AFP, Bloomberg, and Reuters. However, two countries are still debating the finer details with their respective parliaments.
This comes as EU countries have also decided to take aim at around 30 companies involved in "dual-use trade," as well as 75 legal entities and individuals linked to Russia's military-industrial complex. The EU is looking to widen its legal scope by incorporating measures that can be leveraged to sanction fleets involved in destroying underwater cables and other physical assets.
The Kremlin has consistently denounced these restrictions as illegal, contrary to international law. On May 10, Dmitry Peskov, Russian President's press secretary, stated that Russia is seasoned to sanctions, and calling for new ones is a waste of time. On May 12, he emphasized that Russia won't budge when facing ultimatums.
Stay tuned to our Telegram channel @expert_mag for the latest updates
Tags:* #EuropeanUnion* #Sanctions* #Russia
Behind the Scenes:
The 17th package of sanctions aimed at Russia encompasses several critical components. Here's a breakdown of the main targets based on the available data:
1. The "Shadow Fleet"- Oil Tankers: The EU has targeted approximately 200 oil tankers suspected of assisting Russia in bypassing existing oil export restrictions. These ships have been engaged in deceptive practices such as turning off transponders and conducting ship-to-ship transfers to mask their activities.- Shadow Fleet Measures: The sanctions seek to block Russia's access to energy earnings by targeting these vessels, which play a vital role in Russia's "shadow fleet" that continues its oil trade despite Western sanctions.
2. Companies and Entities- Company Restrictions: The EU plans to limit business with around 30 companies involved in transactions with Russia through third parties.- International Companies: Entities in nations like Vietnam, Serbia, and Turkey supplying goods to the Russian military come under scrutiny as well.
3. Individuals Involved- Sanctions List Expansion: The EU is set to add individuals, including those implicated in cyberattacks, human rights abuses, and Europe-related sabotage operations, to its sanctions list.
4. New Measures- Underwater Cable Sabotage: While information on specific measures against fleets responsible for destroying underwater cables is scarce, the sanctions package does target individuals involved in sabotage operations, possibly encompassing underwater infrastructure.- Battlefield Technology: The EU also intends to restrict access to battlefield technology as part of its continuous efforts to pressure Russia.
Implementation and Expectations- Adoption Timeline: The sanctions package is expected to be formally adopted and endorsed by May 20.- EU's Persistent Pressure: The EU has repeatedly asserted its determination to maintain pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine and support peace initiatives.
In essence, the 17th sanctions package targets Russia's capacity to export energy and enable its military operations, with a major focus on the "shadow fleet" and related entities and individuals. However, specific actions against fleets responsible for underwater cable destruction are not explicitly mentioned in the provided details.
The 17th round of sanctions by the European Union against Russia targets not only the "shadow fleet" oil tankers but also around 30 companies involved in "dual-use trade" and 75 legal entities and individuals associated with Russia's military-industrial complex. Moreover, the EU plans to expand its sanctions list to include individuals implicated in cyberattacks, human rights abuses, and Europe-related sabotage operations, and intends to restrict access to battlefield technology as part of its efforts to pressure Russia.
