EU Ambassadors approve 17th package of sanctions against Russia

The Committee of Permanent Representatives in the EU (COREPER) today agreed to new sanctions on Russia – the 17th package of sanctions. 

European Commission President Ursula von Leyen welcomed the agreement, saying the EU had listed an additional 189 shadow fleet vessels to target Russia’s energy exports.

“We are further restricting access to battlefield technology,” she posted on X. “This war has to end. We will keep the pressure high on the Kremlin.”

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas wrote on X that the EU is “upping the pressure on Russia to end its war”.

“It will target more of Russia’s shadow fleet, which is illegally shipping oil for revenues to fund Putin’s aggression. Sanctions drain Russia’s war chest,” she said.

On 20 May, EU Defense ministers are expected to give their final approval of the package.

The previous 16th package of sanctions came into force on 24 February 2025. 

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Kaja Kallas post on X

Ursula von der Leyen post on X