On Monday, the European Union announced a 14th package of sanctions against Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine. These new measures target Russia’s shadow fleet of tankers, which are suspected of moving liquefied natural gas (LNG) through Europe to circumvent existing sanctions. Additionally, several Russian companies and individuals, including a prominent pop singer, were sanctioned for their roles in supporting the war.
The sanctions, adopted by EU foreign ministers during a meeting in Luxembourg, aim to close loopholes and hit Russia’s gas exports for the first time. The measures include a ban on transshipment services of Russian LNG within EU territory. This ban is designed to push Russia into using more costly routes for energy exports, thereby reducing its revenue from LNG. The EU estimates that between 4 and 6 billion cubic meters of Russian LNG were shipped outwards via EU ports last year.
The sanctions package specifically targets Russia’s so-called “ghost fleet,” a group of up to 400 ships believed to be used to evade sanctions and continue exporting energy. By prohibiting ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore transfers of LNG and other cargoes in EU waters, the EU aims to curtail this clandestine network. The measures also restrict new investments and services to help Russia complete ongoing LNG projects.
In addition to targeting the shadow fleet, the EU imposed sanctions on 69 individuals and 47 entities. Among those sanctioned is Russian pop singer Shaman, real name Yaroslav Dronov, who has been promoting Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine through concerts and performances, including those for Russian troops. The sanctions against Shaman include an asset freeze and a travel ban.
Other notable individuals sanctioned include Polina Gagarina, another Russian singer, and actor Ivan Okhlobystin, both of whom have been involved in state-sponsored events supporting the war. The EU also targeted organizations linked to the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, members of the Russian military, judiciary, and Federal Security Service (FSB) employees involved in persecuting the Crimean Tatar minority.
The EU ministers also agreed on new financial support to aid Ukraine’s defense, including a commitment of 1.4 billion euros ($1.5 billion) by July and an additional 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) by the end of the year.
Concerns about hybrid attacks by Russia, such as election interference, cyber-attacks, and sabotage, were also discussed. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen emphasized the need to address Russia’s ongoing destabilization efforts across Europe, which include exploiting migrant crises and engaging in various forms of malignant activity.
While the sanctions are expected to impact Russia’s LNG revenues, experts suggest the immediate financial hit might be in the millions rather than billions of euros. Some EU countries still receive pipeline gas from Russia, and the overall dependence on Russian energy, although reduced, continues to influence the sanctions’ effectiveness.
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