European Commission prepares 17th sanctions package against Russia, Reuters reports

The European Commission is drafting another round of Russia sanctions, according to EU diplomats on May 6.

The commission proposed adding more individuals and over 100 vessels associated with Russia's shadow fleet to the sanctions list, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters The suggested package will mark the 17th round of sanctions implemented by the EU since 2022.

The sanctions are arriving earlier than anticipated, according to sources who mentioned that the plan is "straightforward." The final sanctions The package was implemented on February 24, 2025, coinciding with the three-year mark since Russia's comprehensive assault on Ukraine began.

EU Member countries are anticipated to swiftly reach an agreement on the sanctions proposal, with preliminary talks scheduled for May 7.

According to sources, the suggested sanctions will encompass tighter export restrictions, particularly focusing on sophisticated technologies and items that could potentially benefit Russia’s armed forces.

Additionally, vessels in Russia's shadow fleet – a network of ships That Moscow reportedly employs to bypass Western sanctions, export oil and gas, and purchase military equipment – will also face targeting.

Over 50 people and organizations are anticipated to face sanctions, including five of them. China The updated regulations will also address 31 firms alleged to be supporting Russia’s military or assisting in evading sanctions, including 13 headquartered abroad.

The aim of the sanctions proposal is to show that European Union can "still agree on something against Russia," one of the sources said, referencing Hungary's repeated veto threats on Russia sanctions.

European officials have also said that they want to coordinate the timing of the sanctions package with the United States , which is also currently preparing new sanctions against Russia.

Even as U.S. lawmakers, particularly prominent Republicans, have drafted sanctions targeting Russia along with significant tariffs on nations backing Moscow, it remains uncertain whether President Donald Trump will support these measures. Trump is prepared to support them.

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