The EU has approved a new set of sanctions against Russia, restricting its "shady" oil fleet, with Europe threatening further penalties if Moscow does not agree to a truce in Ukraine.
The new measures against the Kremlin — the 17th round of EU sanctions since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 — were in the works before European leaders issued their latest ultimatum to Moscow over US-led peace efforts.
Diplomats representing the 27 EU member states approved the package at a meeting in Brussels, according to the Polish presidency of the bloc, quoted by AFP.
The package, which will be formally adopted next week, provides for the blacklisting of around 200 oil tankers used to circumvent restrictions on Russian oil exports.
Companies in countries such as Vietnam, Serbia, and Turkey, accused of helping to supply goods to the Russian army, will also be subject to restrictions.
Dozens of Russian officials will be added to the nearly 2,400 people and organizations already subject to visa bans and asset freezes.
The package also includes sanctions against Russian citizens for cyberattacks, human rights violations, and sabotage in Europe.
Officials acknowledge that the latest round of sanctions against Moscow is relatively limited compared to previous packages, as it is more difficult for the EU to agree on targets.
In addition to these measures, EU leaders threatened Russia with "massive sanctions" if it did not agree to a 30-day ceasefire backed by the United States.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned Russia on May 13 that it would face additional European sanctions if "real progress" toward peace in Ukraine was not achieved this week.
Merz called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the ceasefire in Ukraine and peace with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul on May 15.
US President Donald Trump said he could attend the talks in Turkey if Putin and Zelensky sit down at the negotiating table, but so far there are no indications from the Kremlin that Putin will attend. | BGNES