The EU announced the adoption of its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, which was approved by the Council of the European Union on May 20, 2025. In a statement, announcing the latest round of sanctions, the Council reiterated the EU’s “continued and unwavering support for Ukraine,” and said the sanctions were aimed at increasing the cost for Russia to continue its invasion of its neighbour. The measures are intended to increase the pressure on Russia’s “already strained and fragile economy,” the Council said.
The new package also aims to further restrict Russia’s access to battlefield technologies while also cutting its revenues from energy, by targeting an unprecedented number of vessels from Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.” The new sanctions also add a number of individual and entity listings.
An existing exemption from the oil price cap for the Sakhalin-2 project, allowing for the transport of crude oil by sea from the Sakhalin-2 Project in Russia to Japan has also been extended for one year, until 28 June 2026.
The 17th package contains the following key elements:
ANTI-CIRCUMVENTION MEASURES
189 additional vessels have been identified as part of the shadow fleet of oil tankers or otherwise contributing to Russia’s energy revenues, bringing the total number of listings to 342. The vessels are now subject to bans on access to ports and from the provision of services.
The new round of sanctions also add 31 new companies which provide direct or indirect support to Russia’s military industrial complex, or are engaged in sanctions circumvention. They include 18 companies established in Russia, 6 in Turkey, 3 in Vietnam, 2 in the UAE, 1 in Serbia and 1 in Uzbekistan.
ADDITIONAL LISTINGS
Also added are 17 individuals and 58 entities, for actions aimed at undermining the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine. They are now subject to asset freezes and a prohibition from being provided with economic resources. The individuals in question are also subject to travel bans.
The new listings use the new criteria, adopted in the 16th sanctions package last February, to identify shadow fleet enablers, including the Russian shipping company Joint Stock Company Volga Shipping and other companies supporting the Russian military-industrial complex. They also target those involved in the looting of cultural heritage and other activity in occupied territories.
TRADE MEASURES
The list of dual use and advanced technology items subject to export restrictions has also been extended, to include chemical precursors to energetic material, including sodium chlorate, potassium chlorate, aluminium powder, magnesium powder and boron powder, all of which can be used to produce Russian missiles’ propellants.
Exports of spare parts and components of CNC machine tools to Russia are now also restricted.
Also note:
- List of Common High Priority sanctioned goods to which businesses should apply particular due diligence, and which third countries must not re-export to Russia.
- List of sanctioned goods that are economically critical and on which businesses and third countries should be especially vigilant.
