EU slams Russia with sanctions targeting ‘shadow’ oil fleet and cyberattackers

EU Cracks Down on Russia’s ‘Shadow’ Oil Fleet and Cyber Offenders in New Sanctions Push

In yet another firm move against Moscow, the European Union has rolled out a fresh set of sanctions targeting Russia — and this time, they’re going after the so-called “shadow” oil fleet and a string of cyberattackers.

On Wednesday, EU diplomats gave the green light to the bloc’s 17th sanctions package since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. Among the highlights: nearly 200 oil tankers believed to be dodging existing export bans are being blacklisted, as well as dozens of individuals accused of hacking, human rights violations, and sabotage within Europe.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot didn’t mince words in a morning interview with BFM TV, calling on the West to tighten the economic screws further and “take Russia by the throat” until it agrees to a ceasefire.

While this new round of sanctions is more surgical than sweeping, officials say it’s part of a broader pressure campaign. Two EU countries still need to run the details through their parliaments, but final approval from foreign ministers is expected by next week.

Beyond the oil fleet, the sanctions are also targeting companies in Vietnam, Serbia, and Turkey for allegedly supplying goods to Russia’s military. And the list of sanctioned Russian officials is growing — with dozens more set to join the nearly 2,400 already facing visa bans and frozen assets.

But the EU isn’t stopping there. Leaders are warning of “massive” new sanctions unless Moscow accepts a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which has strong backing from the United States.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stepped up the pressure this week, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to sit down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday. President Donald Trump has even floated the idea of attending if both leaders show up.

EU slams Russia with sanctions

So far, no word from the Kremlin on whether Putin will make the trip — but the message from Europe is loud and clear: time is running out.