On 14 May, European Union ambassadors approved the 17th package of sanctions aimed in particular against Russia’s “shadow” oil fleet.
In addition, the EU ambassadors approved tougher sanctions against Russia for human rights violations, hybrid intervention in the world and chemical weapons proliferation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the agreement of the 17th package of sanctions.
“We are further restricting access to technology for warfare. And we have added another 189 ships to the list of the “shadow fleet” to fight Russian energy exports. This war must end. We will continue to put strong pressure on the Kremlin,” she wrote on social network X.
It is estimated that the package could be finally approved on 20 May.
The day before, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his government intends to push for a significant tightening of sanctions against Russia at the European level if there is “no real progress” in resolving the war in Ukraine this week. Speaking about future possible sanctions, Merz mentioned the energy and financial sectors.