Moscow [Russia], May 21: European Union ministers on Tuesday approved the bloc's 17th package of sanctions on Russia, EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas said.
The new punitive measures target 189 ships of the so-called Russian shadow fleet, Kallas said. These often-uninsured ships with murky ownership help Moscow evade Western oil-price caps. A total of 342 ships are now banned from entering harbours in the EU and from accessing a broad range of service in the bloc.
"Restrictive measures on the shadow fleet are intended to dismantle its operational capacity, thereby reducing the oil revenues that support Russia's war economy," a press release said. Personal sanctions such as EU entry bans and asset freezes were imposed in more than a dozen cases. There were also plans to target several dozen companies that are involved in circumventing Russia sanctions.
"While (Russian President Vladimir) Putin feigns interest in peace, more sanctions are in the works. Russia's actions and those who enable Russia face severe consequences," Kallas said.
"The longer Russia persists with its illegal and brutal war, the tougher our response will be," she added.
Source: Qatar Tribune
