This 15th sanctions package since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 includes trade restrictions against over 30 entities linked to Russia's defense and security sectors, including some based in China.

Donald Trump, who is set to take office in January 2025, has indicated that resolving the Ukraine conflict will be a primary focus of his foreign policy.

The sanctions will target approximately 50 aging vessels that operate illegally, aiming to restrict their activities that support Russia's military actions against Ukraine.

In addition to the new sanctions, over 50 additional ships will be banned from entering EU ports, building on an initial blacklist of around 24 vessels established in June 2024.

Experts have raised concerns about the shadow fleet, citing risks associated with outdated tankers and technical deficiencies that could undermine enforcement efforts.

These latest sanctions follow similar actions by the UK and the US, which have already sanctioned a total of 73 and 39 ships respectively.

European Union envoys have reached an agreement on a new sanctions package aimed at Russia, focusing on a shadow fleet of ships that are used to bypass oil transport restrictions.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed strong support for the sanctions, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining pressure on the Kremlin alongside G-7 nations.

The formal adoption of this sanctions package is scheduled for December 16, 2024, with specific details regarding the targeted entities to be published in the EU's official legal journal.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for further sanctions against Putin's shadow fleet, highlighting the critical role of oil in sustaining the Russian regime.

Russian oil exports are crucial for the Kremlin, constituting about 25% of Russia's budget in 2023, according to the UK Foreign Office.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, the EU has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Russia, impacting over 2,300 individuals and entities.