EU Sanctions Target Russia's "Shadow Fleet" in 15th Sanctions Package

The European Union has introduced its 15th sanctions package against Russia, focusing on the so-called "shadow fleet" of third-country vessels that enable Russia to bypass Western sanctions to export oil and gas.

The new measures include 84 additional designations targeting individuals and entities undermining Ukraine's sovereignty, along with actions to address maritime safety and environmental risks posed by Russia's shadow fleet.

The package specifically targets 52 ships from the shadow fleet, which are now banned from accessing EU ports. These ships, classified as non-EU vessels, have been linked to high-risk practices, including transporting Russian oil and oil products, arms deliveries, grain theft, and supporting the Russian energy sector. In its statement, the EU emphasized that sanctions against the shadow fleet not only weaken Russia’s capacity to evade sanctions but also mitigate risks posed by the fleet’s aging, under-insured vessels. "The EU will continue to closely monitor the trade in Russian oil rigs and the different practices aimed at circumventing the oil price cap, both in terms of compliance by G7 operators and the activities of the shadow fleet," the statement said.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas underscored the intent of the new measures, stating: “These measures are designed to tackle the circumvention of EU sanctions by targeting Putin’s shadow navy and weakening Russia’s military-industrial complex. Russia continues its brutal attack on Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. This sanctions package is part of our response to weaken Russia’s war machine and those who enable this war, including Chinese companies. It shows the unity of EU Member States in our continued support for Ukraine. Our immediate priority is to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. We will stand by the Ukrainian people on all fronts: humanitarian, economic, political, diplomatic and military. There is no doubt that Ukraine will win.”

The sanctions list includes 54 individuals and 30 entities whose activities undermine Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. These targets are now subject to asset freezes, with travel bans imposed on individuals. Among them are Russian military companies producing components such as aircraft parts, drones, electronics, engines, and high-tech items for weaponry and other military equipment. The measures also extend to senior executives in companies operating within Russia's energy and shipping sectors, which contribute substantial revenues to the Russian government.

Additionally, the EU has imposed sanctions on the military unit responsible for the attack on the Okhmadyt children's hospital in Kyiv, as well as individuals involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children. For the first time since the invasion of Ukraine, the EU has also sanctioned six Chinese companies and one Chinese individual. These sanctions include travel bans, asset freezes, and fund freezes. The Chinese entities and individual are accused of facilitating the circumvention of EU sanctions and supplying sensitive drone and microelectronic components to the Russian military industry.

The sanctions list further includes two senior North Korean officials allegedly involved in the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. These actions follow discussions at the October European Council and among the G7.

On the trade front, the package adds 32 companies to the sanctions list, identified as supporting Russia's military-industrial complex. This includes 20 Russian companies, seven based in China or Hong Kong, two in Serbia, and one each from Iran, India, and the United Arab Emirates. These companies are now subject to stringent restrictions on exporting dual-use technology goods and advanced technology items. 

By fLEXI tEAM