EU, UK Unleash New Sanctions on Russia's Shadow Fleet

EU and UK Hit Russia with New Sanctions Targeting Shadow Fleet and Sanctions Evaders The European Union and the United Kingdom have announced a new wave of sanctions against Russia in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The measures, announced on May 20, 2025, target Russia's "shadow fleet," a network of ships used to circumvent existing sanctions on Russian oil and oil products. The sanctions aim to further restrict Russia's ability to export oil and generate revenue to fund the war effort. "This is a significant step in tightening the economic pressure on Russia," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in a statement. The sanctions also target dozens of companies and individuals supporting Russia's military and information operations. The UK also announced additional sanctions targeting Russia's military, energy, and financial sectors. This follows a series of drone attacks on Ukrainian cities over the weekend. These latest sanctions aim to disrupt the supply chains of Russian weapons systems, including Iskander missiles. The UK's sanctions also target financial institutions and information operations funded by the Kremlin. Experts are divided on the effectiveness of the sanctions. Some argue that they will have little impact on Putin's policies, while others point to the significant economic damage they will inflict on Russia. The long-term impact of these sanctions remains to be seen, but they represent a significant escalation in the West's response to the war in Ukraine.