EU, UK announce new sanctions targeting Russia’s 'shadow fleet', financial networks

The European Union has unveiled its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting hundreds of vessels linked to the so-called "shadow fleet" believed to be circumventing oil export restrictions.

Speaking on the measures, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed that approximately 200 Russian-linked ships had been affected. These vessels are suspected of operating covertly to sustain the Kremlin's energy revenues amid ongoing sanctions over the war in Ukraine.

In a coordinated move, the United Kingdom also expanded its sanctions list, intensifying pressure on sectors it says underpin President Vladimir Putin’s war effort.

“The latest sanctions target structures that support Russia’s military machine, energy exports and information warfare, as well as financial institutions that help finance Putin’s invasion of Ukraine,” the UK government said in a statement.

Britain’s new measures include asset freezes and travel bans on 14 individuals allegedly involved with what it describes as a "social engineering agency" - a group Western governments accused of orchestrating Russian interference in democratic political systems, including Ukraine.

The UK also sanctioned 46 financial entities, among them the St. Petersburg Foreign Exchange and Russia’s state-run Deposit Insurance Agency.

In addition, 18 vessels associated with Russia’s shadow fleet were sanctioned, alongside British national John Michael Ormerod, accused of acquiring ships used to transport Russian oil. Two Russian tanker captains were also named in the sanctions.

Western officials say the moves are part of a broader strategy to choke off the Kremlin’s ability to finance its military aggression and disrupt its covert influence operations.