Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine: Council sanctions 9 shadow fleet enablers 12:00 The Council sanctioned additional 5 persons and 4 entities responsible for actions[...]

The Council today sanctioned additional five individuals and four entities responsible for supporting Russia's shadow fleet and its value chain, with a view to further curb Russia's revenue generating abilities.

The listed individuals are businessmen linked - directly or indirectly - to major Russian state-owned oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil. They are all involved in an economic sector providing a substantial source of revenue to the Government of the Russian Federation. Additionally, they control vessels transporting crude oil or petroleum products, originating in Russia or being exported from Russia, concealing the actual origin of the oil, while practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices.

The entities targeted today are shipping companies based in the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and Russia which own or manage tankers that are subject to restrictive measures imposed by the EU or by other countries for being part of Russia's shadow fleet, and that transport crude oil or petroleum products while practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices.

Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Individuals are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU member states. Sanctions apply to over 2 600 individuals and entities targeted in response to Russia's ongoing unjustified and unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine.

The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the EU.

Background

In response to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has massively expanded sanctions against Russia with the aim of significantly weakening Russia's economic base, depriving it of critical technologies and markets, and significantly curtailing its ability to wage war.

In its conclusions of 19 December 2024, the European Council reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, reaffirmed its continued support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, and stated that efforts to further limit Russia's ability to wage war must continue, including by adopting further sanctions.

• Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/2594 of 15 December 2025 amending Decision 2014/145/CFSP concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (including the names of persons and entities sanctioned today)
• Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2588 of 15 December 2025 implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (including the names of persons and entities sanctioned today)
• Consolidated text: Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 of 17 March 2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (23 October 2025)
• EU26 Conclusions on Ukraine, 23 October 2025
• European Council conclusions, 19 December 2024
• EU sanctions against Russia explained (background information)