The European Union has imposed sanctions on 41 Russian ships, part of the phantom fleet, to restrict oil exports and support Ukraine.

The European Union sanctioned 41 ships associated with Russia's phantom fleet on Thursday, which help Moscow evade sanctions imposed on oil exports. These tankers have been added to the list of ships banned from ports and from receiving maritime services. The sanctions target non-EU ships involved in circumventing the oil price cap mechanism and supporting the Russian energy sector, as well as those transporting military equipment or goods stolen from Ukraine. With these measures, the total number of sanctioned ships reaches 597.

The EU reaffirms its commitment to intensify pressure on Russia, considering the targeting of the phantom fleet essential to limiting revenues generated by maritime oil exports. The European Commission highlights the safety and environmental risks associated with these ships, often old and underinsured. The EU continues to expand sanctions in response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine, aiming to weaken its capacity to wage war. A new sanctions package is expected to be adopted in February, marking four years since the start of the conflict.