The European Union has begun preparations for the implementation of the 19th sanctions package against the Russian Federation. The new package, according to the advisor to the President of Ukraine on sanctions policy, Vladyslav Vlasuk, focuses not only on vessels of the so-called “shadow fleet” but also on port infrastructure that facilitates the circumvention of restrictions.
This is reported by Finway
Key areas of future sanctions
The EU plans to include ports that cooperate with the shadow fleet, captains of such vessels, and brokers who organize similar shipments in the new sanctions package. As Vladyslav Vlasuk explained, in the previous, 18th sanctions package, it was proposed to include only two captains of the “shadow fleet” vessels, but now the list of individuals and entities for restrictions is significantly expanding.
“In addition to vessels (of the ‘shadow fleet’, – UNIAN), this concerns ports that cooperate with the shadow fleet, captains of such ships, as well as brokers,” he explained.
Discrepancies within the EU regarding oil restrictions
Alongside work on new sanctions, the European Union still cannot agree on the adoption of the 18th package, which, in particular, includes a reduction of the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel. Greece, Cyprus, and Malta opposed the tightening of price restrictions, as they can transport Russian oil without limitations under the current “price cap,” according to Vlasuk.
In contrast, Hungary and Slovakia did not express principled objections to the proposed sanctions measures. The issue of further tightening sanctions on Russian oil and logistics remains a subject of active discussions among EU member states.