The European Union on Thursday imposed new restrictive measures on 41 additional vessels linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” intensifying pressure on Moscow over its ongoing war against Ukraine.

In a statement, the European Council said the newly sanctioned vessels are part of a network of oil tankers used to circumvent international restrictions and generate energy revenues for Russia. The ships have been added to a growing list of vessels subject to an EU port access ban and a prohibition on a wide range of services related to maritime transport.

EU officials said the measures are designed to target non-EU tankers that help bypass the oil price cap mechanism imposed on Russian exports, support Russia’s energy sector, transport military equipment for Moscow, or are involved in the shipment of stolen Ukrainian grain and cultural goods.

With the latest decision, the total number of vessels designated under EU sanctions has risen to nearly 600. The move follows recent Council actions to list nine entities described as “shadow fleet enablers” and the adoption of a joint declaration by the EU and its member states on fully utilizing international maritime law to counter threats posed by the shadow fleet and to protect critical undersea infrastructure.

“The EU remains ready to step up pressure on Russia and its shadow fleet value chain,” the Council said, adding that further sanctions could be adopted if necessary.

The sanctions are part of the EU’s broader response to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, launched in February 2022. Since then, the bloc has significantly expanded its sanctions regime with the aim of weakening Russia’s economic base, limiting its access to critical technologies and markets, and curtailing its ability to finance and sustain the war.

In conclusions adopted on 19 December 2024, the European Council reiterated its strong condemnation of Russia’s actions, describing the war as a clear violation of the United Nations Charter. EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to providing continued political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people.

The Council stressed that as long as Russia continues to violate fundamental principles of international law — including the prohibition on the use of force and obligations under international humanitarian law — the EU will maintain existing measures and consider additional steps to increase pressure on Moscow. (ILKHA)