EU imposes hard 17th sanction package against Russia's shadow fleet!

EU imposes hard 17th sanction package against Russia's shadow fleet!

Österreich - The European Union passed a comprehensive new sanction package against Russia on May 20, 2025. This 17th sanction package is aimed specifically against the so -called shadow fleet, consisting of almost 200 ships that work in the oil trade. The aim is to prevent the activities of these ships and ensure that operators of this fleet no longer benefit from European services. In addition, companies are targeted that support the war or bypass existing sanctions, as [https://www.vol.at/eu-einige-sich-auf-17-sanktpaket- against-Russland/9415526).

The EU's outdoor representative, Kaja Kallas, announced that further sanctions are in preparation. These measures are increasingly tightened by a coordinated reaction of the EU, which the longer Russia wages war. "The longer Russia wages war, the harder our reaction is," said Kallas. In this context, the EU foreign ministers plan not only to discuss Ukraine, but also about the situation in Gaza and Syria. Austria supports these measures, represented by the ministers Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Klaudia Tanner.

economic effects and other measures

The new sanction package also includes around 30 economic actors affected by new export restrictions. Dozens of persons and companies are no longer able to do business within the EU and have to expect wealth closures. At the same time, the British government also announced new sanctions, which are specifically aimed at the supply chains of Russian weapon systems. The planned measures of the EU also include a reduction in the price cover for Russian oil and other sanctions against the Russian financial sector, as on [https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/eu-sanktations-russland-172.html).

The EU Defense Minister, including the German Minister Boris Pistorius, spoke about the upgrading of Europe and the military support of Ukraine. Pistorius expressed skepticism about the intentions of Russia and emphasized that cutting the money inflows from energy sales should be regarded as the most effective sanction. Defense Minister Tanner supported the initiatives, but made it clear that the effectiveness of the measures should be waiting.

global perspectives and humanitarian aspects

The economic sanctions also have global effects, especially in food supply. Russia's attack on Ukraine has already endangered this care. While the EU has not imposed direct agricultural sanctions against Russia, economic sanctions have an impact on the trade conditions. Auxiliary measures should also keep an eye on the humanitarian aspects in order to avoid unintentional care problems, as the Foundation for Science and Politics explains in a current analysis [swp-berlin.org] (https://www.swp-berlin.org/publication/wirtschafts-sland- against Russland- International-perspective effects). The reactions of the international community show that a coordinated answer to Russia is essential in the current crisis.

In the conversations about a possible ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, the previous diplomatic measures seem to have shown little progress. US President Trump announced that negotiations on a ceasefire should begin “immediately”, but the situation remains tense and the future uncertain.

Overall, the current development shows that the EU and its partners are determined to further intensify the economic and military measures against Russia, while the humanitarian challenges may not be lost.