EU Ambassadors Approve 17th Sanctions Package Against Russia

European Union ambassadors have officially approved the bloc’s 17th package of sanctions against Russia, significantly expanding restrictive measures in response to Moscow’s ongoing war against Ukraine and its global destabilizing activities, The Gaze reports.

The newly adopted package includes sweeping sanctions aimed at Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” — a network of nearly 200 vessels, including oil tankers used to circumvent existing embargoes and sustain the Kremlin’s war economy.

The sanctions also target around 30 new companies accused of helping Russia bypass export controls, particularly for dual-use goods — items that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. 

The aim is to close loopholes in previous packages that allowed the Russian military-industrial complex to continue sourcing sensitive technologies.

In addition, the EU approved 75 new individual sanctions against Russian individuals and legal entities linked to the defense sector.

Further measures were adopted in parallel, addressing Russia’s human rights abuses, hybrid interference around the world, and chemical weapons proliferation, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty editor Rikard Jozwiak confirmed.

“EU ambassadors just gave green light to the 17th sanctions package on Russia. In parallel they have also approved more sanctions on Russia for human rights abuses, hybrid interferences around the world, and chemical weapons proliferation,” Jozwiak wrote on X.

As The Gaze previously reported, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says the European Union is ready to impose tougher sanctions on Russia if no progress is made this week in ending the war in Ukraine.