EU envoys will meet on Wednesday to discuss a 15th round of sanctions targeting Russian oil tankers and Chinese firms involved in drone production for Moscow. The new measures aim to further restrict Russia’s access to financial assets and tighten pressure on its oil revenue.
European Union envoys are set to meet on Wednesday to discuss a 15th round of sanctions against Russia in response to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Among the proposed measures are sanctions targeting tankers transporting Russian oil and Chinese companies involved in the production of drones for Moscow, according to EU diplomats.
The new sanctions would add 29 entities and 54 individuals to the EU’s existing list, which already includes over 2,200 individuals and organisations. Those added to the list would face travel bans and asset freezes within the 27-member bloc, with little expectation of significant opposition, the diplomats noted.
A more substantial sanctions package is expected to be proposed in January, after Poland takes over the EU's rotating presidency from Hungary. Hungary’s Russia-friendly leader has previously delayed or blocked measures aimed at assisting Ukraine.
In September, Reuters revealed that Russia had established a weapons programme in China to develop and produce long-range attack drones. The proposed inclusion of 48 tankers in the sanctions list is part of ongoing efforts by Western allies to curb Russia’s oil revenues by reinforcing the G7 price cap on Russian oil, although Western officials acknowledge that the effectiveness of the cap is expected to wane over time.
The 16th sanctions package, anticipated later, is expected to impose tighter restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows and expand the use of the “No Russia” clause. This would require subsidiaries of EU companies based in third countries to prevent the re-export of certain goods to Russia.
The EU is also looking to target financial institutions that help Russia bypass Western sanctions, in a move similar to actions already taken by the United States earlier this year.
Read next
16:00
Waze
Brussels, February 21, 2025 – Alphabet’s mapping app Waze has crossed the threshold for classification as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), triggering tougher obligations to tackle illegal online content.
15:00
Google
Google is expected to face charges from the European Commission for breaching rules designed to rein in the power of Big Tech, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter.
19:33
Undersea Cables
EU boosts undersea cable security with nearly €1B reallocation, enhancing surveillance, deterrence, and rapid response. A new data-sharing system, drone program, and emergency repair fleet aim to protect critical infrastructure amid rising sabotage concerns.
17:01
EU-UKRAINE
European Council President António Costa has confirmed that he, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will visit Kyiv on February 24, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
01:54
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that recent U.S.-Russia interactions show Moscow has not abandoned its territorial ambitions in Ukraine, cautioning that appeasing Russia would set a dangerous precedent.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment