EU Unveils Historic Sanctions Aimed at Disrupting Russia's Covert Maritime Operations

The European Union has rolled out its 17th round of sanctions against Russia, aiming to diminish the country’s military and economic strength.

This latest set of measures zeroes in on what’s known as Russia’s “shadow fleet”—a collection of old, unregulated oil tankers that help Moscow sidestep western restrictions and keep oil flowing. The EU has now added 189 vessels to its sanctions list,bringing the total number of targeted ships to a hefty 342.These tankers frequently enough come from various third-party nations and engage in dubious shipping practices, frequently lacking openness in ownership and safety protocols.

In addition to targeting these vessels, the EU is also hitting individual entities with asset freezes and financial restrictions. This includes shipping firms and insurance companies based in places like the UAE, Türkiye, and Hong Kong that facilitate the transport of Russian crude oil. Notably, one major insurer backing this operation has also found itself on the sanctions list.

Since implementing an oil price cap alongside these new measures against shadow fleet operations, russia’s oil income has taken a significant hit.Data shows that by March 2025, revenues had plummeted by 13.7% compared to March 2023—translating into a staggering €38 billion loss over two years.

One key target is Surgutneftegaz—one of Russia’s largest oil producers—which plays a crucial role in funding government activities. Another prominent Russian shipping company is also facing sanctions.

The EU isn’t stopping there; it has sanctioned over 45 individuals and companies linked to supplying drones, ammunition, weapons systems, critical components for military use—all vital for supporting Russian armed forces.

Moreover, they’ve expanded their focus to include industrial suppliers from both Russia and China who provide machine tools essential for military applications. Three Chinese firms have been added to this list along with one each from Belarus and Israel due to their roles in supplying parts used for drone production among other military technologies.

Additionally targeted are firms involved with dual-use goods—those applicable for both civilian and military purposes—from countries like Türkiye, Serbia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam—and again—the UAE. These businesses supply items such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which are pivotal for modern warfare strategies.

New export restrictions have been placed on goods aiding Russia’s defense sector—including spare parts necessary for machinery production as well as chemical precursors used in munitions manufacturing.

The latest sanctions package also addresses hybrid threats posed by Russia through internal repression tactics employed against civilians during conflicts like those seen in Ukraine. All member states within the EU agreed upon these measures during discussions held among foreign ministers in Brussels.

On top of this effort from Europe’s side comes action from the United Kingdom which introduced its own set of sanctions targeting around 100 entities including shadow fleet vessels linked directly or indirectly with Kremlin operations related to warfare efforts.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy didn’t hold back when he labeled Putin a “warmonger,” urging an immediate ceasefire without conditions attached.

Concerns about potential damage caused by shadow fleet activities have arisen too; Finnish authorities recently seized a tanker named Eagle S under suspicion it was involved in damaging critical infrastructure—the Estlink 2 undersea power cable connecting Finland with Estonia—by using its anchor improperly.

Ukrainian officials estimate there could be around 500 vessels operating under questionable safety standards within this shadow fleet framework while independent assessments suggest numbers exceeding even that at over 400 capable ships transporting crude oils or refined fuels such as diesel or gasoline.

Looking ahead: the European Commission is already gearing up for an upcoming round—their proposed eighteenth package—which may include further banking sanctions aimed at third-country institutions supporting Russian defense initiatives while revisiting G7 price caps on Russian oil exports—a topic expected at future finance minister meetings scheduled soon across Canada.

As February 24th when Ukraine was invaded back in ’22 alone—the EU has imposed penalties affecting approximately 2 ,400 individuals/entities ranging across government bodies , banks , arms suppliers , etc .

References: Bloomberg , EU