European Union Adopts 17th Sanctions Package Against Russia

1. Targeting the Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’

One of the most striking measures is the expansion of the list of sanctioned vessels. An additional 189 ships, mostly oil tankers, have now been added to this list. This so-called ‘shadow fleet’ is used to circumvent existing sanctions and transport stolen goods – such as Ukrainian grain. These ships are now:

• Banned from entering EU ports;
• Prohibited from using EU-related services such as insurance, maintenance, or ship registration.

A total of 342 vessels are now subject to sanctions.

2. ​​​​​​​75 New Individuals and Entities Added to the Sanctions List

The EU sanctions list has also been expanded to include 17 individuals and 58 legal entities that actively support Russia’s war efforts. Notable additions include:

• Surgutneftegaz – Russia’s third-largest oil producer; and
• Joint Stock Company Volga Shipping – a major Russian shipping company.

These entities are now subject to the following measures:

• Their assets within the EU are frozen;
• They are no longer permitted to receive economic resources;
• The listed individuals face an EU entry ban.

​​​​​​​3. Export Restrictions and New Anti-Circumvention Measures

To further cut Russia off from military and technological support, the EU is extending its export ban on strategically sensitive goods and technologies. Newly added items include:

• Chemical substances that may be used as propellants in missile systems, such as sodium chlorate, potassium chlorate, aluminium and magnesium powder, and boron powder; and
• Spare parts and components of high-precision CNC machine tools, such as ball screws and encoders.

Additionally, 31 new entities have been added to the list of parties subject to tighter export controls on dual-use goods and technologies, due to their support for the Russian military-industrial complex in its war against Ukraine. Some of these entities are based in third countries, such as Turkey, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates.

​​​​​​​4. Sakhalin Oil Exemption Extended – With Restrictions

Lastly, the sanctions package extends an existing exemption: the transport of crude oil from the Sakhalin-2 project in Russia to Japan remains permitted – for now, until 28 June 2026.

What Does This Mean for Your Organisation?

As outlined above, the new sanctions package significantly expands the existing regime. This increases the likelihood that your organisation – directly or indirectly – may be affected. Would you like to understand what these new rules mean in concrete terms for your business? And whether you remain fully compliant under the revised sanctions framework? If so, please contact Jikke Biermasz or Zoë Poortvliet.