The European Union is preparing a new large-scale package of sanctions against Russia, the main target of which could be the Kremlin's so-called "shadow fleet" – a network of old tankers with opaque ownership structures through which Moscow continues to export oil bypassing restrictions. This was reported by Politico, according to UNN.
The new sanctions package may be presented as early as this summer
According to the publication, Brussels has already begun preparing the 21st sanctions package, which could be presented in late June or early July.
In addition to the "shadow fleet," the restrictions may target Russian banks, financial institutions, military-industrial complex enterprises, as well as companies involved in the sale of stolen Ukrainian grain.
European diplomats and officials believe that increasing pressure on the "shadow fleet" will strike at one of the Kremlin's main sources of income and force Vladimir Putin to abandon his maximalist demands regarding Ukraine.
The economic situation in Russia is now the worst since the start of the war. This is exactly the moment when pressure needs to be increased, because Russia is feeling bad
The EU wants to bring back sanctions previously blocked by Hungary
EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas stated after a ministerial meeting in Luxembourg that following the change of power in Hungary, a new momentum for sanctions policy has emerged.
We must return to the sanctions that were previously on the table but were not agreed upon, as well as move forward with a new sanctions package
According to Politico, the European Commission may also return to the idea of banning maritime services for Russian vessels. This was previously blocked by Malta and Greece.
Separately, the EU is considering the possibility of imposing sanctions against representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, in particular Patriarch Kirill, who openly supports the war against Ukraine.
Brussels believes that Ukraine's positions have strengthened
The EU is convinced that Ukraine's positions have strengthened over the past year both militarily and politically.
Among the reasons cited are the 90 billion euro loan agreed upon by the EU, the development of Ukrainian long-range weaponry, successes on the front, and the psychological effect of strikes on Russia, particularly during preparations for the May 9 parade in Moscow.
90 billion euros and sanctions are working. This creates momentum and puts Ukraine in a much better position
The article also notes that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas advocate for a "large package" of sanctions against Moscow.
Europe wants to become more actively involved in the negotiation process
European countries are increasingly demonstrating a readiness to take on a larger role in supporting Ukraine, regardless of the US position.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Europe is preparing a new attempt to return to the negotiation process regarding the war in Ukraine in the format of France, Germany, and Great Britain.
We are ready to take on more responsibility and are discussing this with the US and Ukraine
Politico also notes that the EU hopes to use the coming months to increase pressure on Russia while the election campaign continues in the US and the Donald Trump administration still maintains interest in the Russian-Ukrainian issue.