EU preparing 20th sanctions package against Russia with strict measures for “shadow fleet”
The European Union is developing its twentieth sanctions package against the Russian Federation, which will impose particularly strict restrictions on the Kremlin’s “shadow fleet.”
This was announced on 29 January by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot ahead of a meeting of the EU Council on Foreign Affairs, according to a correspondent from European Pravda in Brussels.
The French Foreign Minister emphasised that Moscow’s systematic attacks on civilian targets and Ukraine’s energy infrastructure demonstrate Vladimir Putin’s unwillingness to engage in genuine negotiations.
“Putin is still not ready to begin talks that would lead to a ceasefire and lasting peace,” Barrot stressed.
For this reason, the European side continues to increase pressure on Russia through sanctions mechanisms.
Barrot noted that the new sanctions package should be as powerful as the previous 18th and 19th packages.
He specifically highlighted the need for strict measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which Moscow uses to circumvent international restrictions. According to him, the 20th sanctions package will include a ban on providing any maritime services to vessels belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet.”
It is recalled that many EU countries aim to see Ukraine join the Union by 2027.
Hungary remains the only obstacle to Ukraine’s EU accession.
