EU Approves Fresh Sanctions On Russia
The European Union (EU) has adopted its 17th package of sanctions against Russia in response to its continued war in Ukraine.
The new measures, announced on Tuesday by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, include sanctions on nearly 200 vessels linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” used to circumvent oil embargoes.
“The EU has approved its 17th sanctions package against Russia, targeting nearly 200 shadow fleet ships. New measures also address hybrid threats and human rights,” Kallas wrote on X.
More sanctions on Russia are in the works,” she added.
She emphasised that the EU’s pressure on Russia will intensify the longer the war continues.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna confirmed the adoption of the 17th package and said an 18th round of sanctions is already being prepared.
“(Russian President, Vladimir) Putin has rejected every ceasefire proposal and continues attacks on Ukraine. He’ll only stop when the cost becomes unbearable,” Tsahkna wrote on X.
The sanctions package also targets Russia’s military and political elites, as well as foreign entities, particularly in China and the United Arab Emirates, accused of helping Russia evade existing restrictions.
Additionally, over 20 individuals and organizations involved in spreading Russian disinformation, and 20 Russian judges and prosecutors connected to the cases against opposition figures Vladimir Kara-Murza and the late Alexei Navalny, were added to the list.
The package includes new restrictions on the export of chemicals, materials, and dual-use goods essential to Russia’s defence industry.
Despite the EU’s move, the United States appears reluctant to increase its sanctions. U.S. President Donald Trump, who spoke with Putin via phone on May 19, said he would not pursue new measures, arguing that they could hinder peace efforts.
The call followed inconclusive ceasefire talks in Istanbul on May 16, where Russia reiterated its demands for Ukraine to surrender Crimea and four eastern regions—conditions Ukraine has rejected.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who held two calls with Trump that same day, before and after the U.S.-Russia conversation, made it clear Ukraine would not retreat from its territory.
“It’s our land,” Zelensky reportedly told Trump, urging him not to make any decision on Ukraine without them.
Trump had on Monday said both Russia and Ukraine would “immediately” begin negotiations toward a ceasefire, following a two-hour phone call with Putin.
He said both countries will lead the ceasefire talks, saying “they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of.”
Trump also said his call with Putin followed consultations with European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Russian state media confirmed the conversation and reported that Putin had called it “informative and useful.”
The Kremlin said Russia is ready to draft a memorandum with Ukraine outlining the path toward negotiations, with the Russian president quoted as saying, “We’re generally on the right track.”
A ceasefire, Putin added, could be possible once compromises acceptable to both sides are reached.
EU Approves Fresh Sanctions On Russia is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
