On Wednesday, December 11, the European Union announced a new round of sanctions against Russia, targeting the Russian shadow oil tanker fleet evading Western sanctions and Chinese companies manufacturing drones for Moscow.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took to social media platform X to express, “The EU and its G7 partners are committed to continued pressure on the Kremlin. I welcome the agreement on our 15th set of sanctions, particularly targeting Russia’s shadow fleet.”
This marks the first sanction agreement reached during Hungary’s tenure as the President of the European Council, dispelling concerns from many diplomats that Budapest might delay sanction actions due to its relationship with Moscow.
The official account of “Hungary’s Presidency of the European Council” on X posted on Wednesday, “Ambassadors have just reached an agreement on the 15th set of sanctions against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.”
The post mentioned that the new plan adds more individuals and entities to the existing sanction list, targeting entities from Russia and third countries outside of Russia that indirectly assist in enhancing Russia’s military and technological capabilities by evading export restrictions.
It further stated, “The sanctions passed restrict the activities of more ships from third countries, whose operations contribute to or support Russia’s actions or policies towards Ukraine.”
According to Reuters, the latest round of sanctions will target nearly 30 entities, over 50 individuals, and 45 oil tankers. The sanctions are expected to be formally approved at the EU Foreign Ministers’ meeting next Monday, December 16.