EU Agrees on 17th Sanctions Package Against Russia

The EU foreign ministers have agreed on the 17th sanctions package against Russia. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated, 'This round of sanctions against Russia is the most far-reaching since the start of the war.' There is broad support in the EU to prepare an 18th sanctions package if Moscow continues to refuse peace talks.

'While Putin pretends to be interested in peace, more sanctions are in the pipeline. The longer Russia continues its illegal and cruel war, the harder our response will be,' said Kallas.

The 17th package aims 'to further restrict Russia's access to battlefield technologies and reduce revenues from Russian energy imports,' according to a joint statement.

189 oil tankers from Russia's shadow fleet have been added to the sanctions list, bringing the total to 342 oil tankers transporting Russian oil under non-Russian flags. Additionally, 31 companies supporting Russia's military-industrial complex or involved in sanctions evasion have been listed.

17 individuals and 58 entities undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence have also been sanctioned, with asset freezes and travel bans imposed. The list of export restrictions on dual-use products has been expanded, including chemical precursors suspected of being used as propellants for Russian missiles.