Ukraine Pushes for EU’s 19th Sanctions Package to Target Shadow Fleet Captains, Defense Sector

Ukraine expects the upcoming 19th EU sanctions package against Russia to include measures targeting the captains of Russia’s shadow fleet, its military-industrial complex (MIC), and channels for sanctions evasion, said Vladyslav Vlasiuk, sanctions advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, The Gaze reports, citing Interfax Ukraine.

Speaking on Ukrainian television, Vlasiuk outlined Kyiv’s proposals for further tightening sanctions. “We want to see the next sanctions package address Russia’s oil infrastructure. Nearly 600 shadow fleet tankers have already been sanctioned, but we now need to expand to marine terminals, port infrastructure, and potentially insurance companies involved in servicing these ships,” he said.

Vlasiuk emphasized the importance of individual accountability, referencing the immediate impact of previous sanctions against one captain and an Indian oil refinery under the EU’s 18th package. “Sanctioning specific captains had a clear effect,” he noted.

Ukraine is also lobbying to expand the list of critical components and goods used in Russia’s weapons manufacturing. A new Ukrainian sanctions package focused on narrow MIC-related categories is expected soon from the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), with proposals for EU partners to synchronize measures.

Another key concern is Russia’s use of unconventional financial channels. “The West and Ukraine need to better understand how Russia is now using tools like cryptocurrencies and stablecoins to bypass sanctions,” Vlasiuk said.

French officials recently confirmed that the EU is preparing a stronger sanctions package. French Minister for Europe Benjamin Haddad stated on July 23 that the bloc intends to approve the new package “as soon as possible,” aiming to maximize pressure and deplete Russia’s resources, particularly in the energy sector. France’s Foreign Trade Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also confirmed preparations for a tougher, U.S.-coordinated round of European sanctions.

The EU’s 18th package, adopted on July 18, sanctioned 22 Russian and two Chinese banks, multiple firms tied to Russia’s Direct Investment Fund, 26 new MIC-linked entities, and eight defense companies from Belarus.