20.5.2025 Press releases

EU’s 17th sanctions package cracks down on Russia’s shadow fleet

In its 17th sanctions package, the European Union continues to respond to Russia’s ongoing war of aggression in Ukraine, to Russia’s destabilising measures against the EU and third countries and to the deterioration of the domestic human rights situation in the country. A significant number of vessels belonging to the Russia’s shadow fleet were added to the EU sanctions list.

The first part of the package concerns sanctions on individuals whose actions undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The individuals listed in the 17th sanctions package are representatives of the Russian armed forces, political actors, information influencers and opinion leaders in Russian society and business leaders supporting or benefiting from the Russian government. The listed entities are companies supporting the Russian armed forces, including the Russian oil company Surgutneftegaz and Chinese companies.

Secondly, the EU is expanding what are known as sectoral sanctions adopted in response to Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine. A significant number of vessels belonging to the Russian shadow fleet, including the tanker Eagle S, are listed as subject to sanctions, bringing the total number of listed vessels to 342. In connection with sectoral sanctions, the EU expands the export ban list, which targets Russian and third-country companies that support Russia’s war industry. Companies that have participated in or supported the circumvention of sanctions will be added to the list.

Thirdly, the EU adds new sanctions in response to Russia’s destabilising measures, known as hybrid activities, against the EU and third countries. New individuals and entities engaged in actions and policies by the Russian government, which undermine the fundamental values of the EU and its Member States, their security, independence and integrity, as well as those of international organisations and third countries were be added to the sanctions regime adopted in October 2024. The EU also amended and expanded the regime’s listing criteria.

Fourthly, the EU added new listings to the sanctions regime adopted in May 2024 in response to Russia’s domestic situation. Persons who have committed serious and systematic human rights violations and violations against civilians in Russia or who have committed acts of repression against civil society and the democratic opposition in Russia or whose actions undermine democracy and the rule of law in the country will be added to the sanctions list. At the same time, the sanctions regime was extended by one year.

The EU  also added three entities in the Russian armed forces involved in the development and use of chemical weapons to the sanctions regime against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons.

Council Decision and Regulation concerning changes to individual sanctions

Council Decision and Regulation concerning changes to sectoral sanctions

Council Decisions and Regulations concerning restrictive measures adopted in response to Russia’s destabilising measures

Council Decision and Regulation concerning restrictive measures imposed in response to the domestic situation in Russia

Council Decision and Regulation concerning restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons:

 

More information

  • Pia Sarivaara, Sanctions Coordinator, Sanctions Unit, tel. 358 295 350 660
  • The Foreign Ministry's email addresses are in the form of etunimi.sukunimi(a)gov.fi