The European Union is preparing its 21st package of sanctions against Russia, with the key target being the so-called shadow oil fleet that allows the Kremlin to bypass international restrictions and continue earning billions from oil exports. This was reported by Politico, citing European diplomats and officials.
Source: OBOZREVATEL
According to preliminary information, the new sanctions package could be presented as early as late June or early July. Its main goal is to increase economic pressure on Russia and limit key sources of financing for the war.
One of the central elements of the new package will be the fight against the network of aging oil tankers that Russia uses to circumvent sanctions. Such vessels often change flags and operate through complex offshore schemes, allowing Russian oil to continue being transported to global markets.
Brussels believes that blocking this channel could significantly affect Kremlin revenues.
“This is one of Russia’s most important sources of income. If this channel is blocked, pressure on Moscow will increase significantly,” European officials said.
The European Commission is also considering returning to the idea of a complete ban on maritime transport for certain Russian vessels. Previously, this initiative was blocked by Malta and Greece due to their own economic interests in the shipping sector.
In addition to the shadow fleet, the 21st sanctions package may include:
— Russian banks and financial institutions that help circumvent sanctions;
— enterprises of Russia’s military-industrial complex;
— companies connected to the sale of stolen Ukrainian grain;
— new individuals linked to the Russian authorities and propaganda structures.
The EU also wants to increase pressure on schemes involving grain exports from occupied Ukrainian territories, emphasizing that Russia profits from illegally exported products.
Another potentially high-profile part of the new package could be sanctions against representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, including Patriarch Kirill. These restrictions previously failed to gain approval due to opposition from certain countries, primarily the Hungarian government.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that political changes in Hungary have created an opportunity to revisit previously blocked decisions.
European officials are convinced that the Russian economy is currently going through one of the most difficult periods since the start of the full-scale war. Among Russia’s main problems they cite high inflation, a growing budget deficit, difficulties importing technology, and the constantly increasing cost of financing the war.
European Commissioner for Economy Valdis Dombrovskis stressed that now is not the time to ease sanctions pressure on Moscow.
At the same time, the EU is increasingly demonstrating its readiness to act independently regardless of the U.S. position. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Europe is prepared to take on greater responsibility both in supporting Ukraine and in the diplomatic process.
Final approval of the 21st sanctions package will require unanimous support from all EU member states. Brussels emphasizes that the new restrictions should send a clear signal: Europe does not intend to weaken economic pressure on Russia.
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