The European Union and the United Kingdom have launched synchronized sanctions targeting Russia’s covert oil shipping network, increasing diplomatic and economic pressure on President Vladimir Putin amid growing international calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Announced Tuesday, the EU’s latest sanctions blacklist 189 oil tankers believed to be part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” used to bypass Western restrictions. The UK’s parallel sanctions expand beyond the fleet, hitting Russian military supply chains, disinformation networks, and financial institutions accused of enabling sanctions evasion.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that an 18th sanctions package is already in the works, following the recently adopted 17th. “It’s time to intensify the pressure on Russia to bring about the ceasefire,” she posted on X after speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Al Jazeera’s Jonah Hull, reporting from London, noted the EU and UK acted “in concert,” just one day after the two sides signed a new defense and security agreement.
In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned the measures, declaring Moscow would not yield to ultimatums. She accused European nations of trying to rearm Ukraine to prolong the war.
The new sanctions came shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump’s attempt to mediate a ceasefire fell flat. During a high-profile call, Putin reportedly declined to make any commitment, leaving the U.S. on the sidelines while Europe pushes ahead.
Putin, however, signaled interest in drafting a memorandum outlining conditions for a possible peace agreement. Zakharova told reporters, “The ball is in Kyiv’s court,” expressing hope Ukraine would respond positively in the interest of its “self-preservation.”
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy quickly dismissed the notion, writing on Telegram that Russia is simply “trying to buy time to continue the war and occupation.” He reiterated that Ukraine and its allies remain committed to ramping up pressure on the Kremlin.
Officials in both Brussels and London indicated that more sanctions are likely. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called for continued pressure “to push Vladimir Putin to put an end to his imperialist fantasy,” while German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius added, “Putin is clearly playing for time. Unfortunately, we have to say Putin is not really interested in peace.”
