EU Tightens Russia Sanctions as Maritime-Services Ban Awaits G7 Backing

The EU approves a new round of sanctions on Russia but leaves the planned blanket ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers on hold pending a G7 agreement, due to concerns from Greece and Malta. The package also targets vessels from the “shadow fleet,” certain banks and metals/chemicals, and introduces anti-circumvention measures toward Kyrgyzstan. The move coincides with a controversial U.S. sanctions relief stance, while Hungary and Slovakia had previously lifted vetoes after the Druzhba pipeline dispute was resolved.