European Union foreign ministers have adopted a 15th package of sanctions against Russia targeting tankers transporting Russian oil as the bloc looks to curb the circumvention of previous measures aimed at hindering Moscow’s ability to wage war against Ukraine.
“This package of sanctions is part of our response to weaken Russia’s war machine and those who are enabling this war, also including Chinese companies,” Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, said in a statement on December 16.
“It shows the unity of EU member states in our continued support to Ukraine. Our immediate priority is to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. We will stand by the Ukrainian people on all fronts: humanitarian, economic, political, diplomatic and military. There can be no doubt that Ukraine will win,” she added.
The European Council said it agreed on a significant package of measures against 54 individuals and 30 entities “responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.”
It sanctioned the military unit responsible for the striking of the Okhmadyt children’s hospital in Kyiv, senior managers in leading companies in Russia’s energy sector, individuals responsible for the deportation of Ukrainian children, and two “senior” North Korean officials.
Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet of tankers is a group of old, uninsured oil vessels used to bypass Western sanctions and maintain a source of revenue. The poor condition of these ships has raised concerns about environmental disasters.
“Efforts to further limit Russia’s ability to wage war must continue,” reads a draft of a statement of conclusions being prepared for an EU summit later this week.
The draft, which has been seen by RFE/RL and is still subject to revision, adds that the European Council “strongly condemns” Iran and North Korea for helping to sustain Russia’s “war of aggression against Ukraine.”
The bloc said growing military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran and the deployment of North Koreans to the battlefront have “serious consequences for international peace and security” and called on both countries to stop helping Russia.
The EU will continue aiding Ukraine financially to stave off the Russian invasion, with plans to disburse a total of 18.1 billion euros ($19 billion) to Kyiv in 2025 starting in January.
On developments in Syria, the bloc welcomed the fall of the “criminal regime” of Bashar al-Assad and called for an “inclusive and Syrian-led political process” to install a government that protects the rights of minorities.
It added that the bloc’s foreign policy chief would be asked to “prepare options for measures to support Syria.”
On the Gaza War, it called for “an immediate cease-fire” and the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the EU and the United States.
It also reiterated its stance on a two-state solution to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and establish “just and lasting peace.”
The EU summit will take place in Brussels on December 19.
