The European Union has adopted a 17th package of sanctions against Russia, focusing this time on a growing network of shadowy oil tankers known as the “ghost fleet,” in a continued effort to strangle the Kremlin’s wartime economy.
The new sanctions, approved on Wednesday by ambassadors from the EU’s 27 Member States, target nearly 200 additional vessels believed to be involved in circumventing existing restrictions on Russian oil exports.
Alongside these, around 30 entities—ranging from shipping firms to financial intermediaries—are also being sanctioned for allegedly facilitating Russia’s evasion of EU-imposed embargoes.
Diplomatic sources revealed that this latest round brings the total number of sanctioned vessels to 345, a significant escalation in the EU’s clampdown on what officials describe as a “deliberate and dangerous” effort by Moscow to dodge Western sanctions introduced in the wake of its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“The ghost fleet represents a direct threat to our sanctions regime and to maritime safety,” a senior EU diplomat said under condition of anonymity. “These ships are not only undermining our efforts to cut off Russian revenue streams but are also posing serious environmental and navigational risks.”
These vessels, often old, uninsured, and operated by minimally trained crews, are known for transporting Russian oil through the Baltic Sea and beyond without standard tracking or safety compliance.
Many have been stripped of their national registry, operate under obscure ownership structures, and rely on ship-to-ship transfers to hide the origin of their cargo.
The surge in such vessels has been a direct consequence of EU and G7 sanctions aimed at capping the price of Russian crude and petroleum products.
Since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Western allies have sought to dry up Russia’s export earnings, particularly from fossil fuels, which remain a major pillar of the Kremlin’s war financing.
A recent study by the Kyiv School of Economics estimates that around 430 ships worldwide are part of this elusive “ghost fleet,” with nearly half now under EU scrutiny following the latest sanctions.
These newly approved measures are distinct from what EU officials have described as a “massive” set of sanctions that could follow if Moscow refuses to enter ceasefire negotiations.
Kyiv has already agreed to a proposed 30-day ceasefire, and its Western allies are urging Russia to follow suit or face even tougher economic isolation.
Although EU sanctions require unanimous support among all member states, the approval of this 17th package suggests sustained commitment within the bloc to economically pressure Russia despite rising concerns over sanctions fatigue and global energy stability.
“The EU is sending a clear message: sanctions will evolve, loopholes will be closed, and we will continue to target any mechanism used by Russia to finance its war,” said an EU Commission spokesperson.
The latest sanctions are expected to take effect immediately, with enforcement actions likely to focus on European ports, maritime insurers, and intermediaries suspected of aiding Russia’s shadowy oil trade.