Ambassadors of EU member states reached an agreement on Wednesday on the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, which should be confirmed by foreign ministers next week.
The new sanctions package includes nearly 200 new tankers from the so-called "shadow fleet" that Russia uses to circumvent sanctions.
These are old, uninsured ships that use various tricks to conceal the origin of the oil they carry, including sending false data and turning off transponders. It is suspected that the ships are also used for sabotage on the submarine infrastructure.
So far, 153 such ships have been sanctioned and are banned from docking in European ports. Now, that number has risen to around 350 ships.
Thirty companies have been added to the sanctions list for their involvement in circumventing sanctions, particularly when it comes to dual-use goods. These companies will face new trade restrictions.
Another 75 individuals and companies linked to the military-industrial complex have been added. The export of chemicals from the EU that can be used to produce missiles is also banned.
In addition to this 17th package, the EU is threatening new massive sanctions if Russia does not agree to an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine.
Photo: EU
