News item | 16-12-2025 | 08:56
On December 15, 2025, the European Union (EU) adopted new sanctions against Russia. These sanctions are mainly aimed at the Russian shadow fleet. New persons and companies will also be added to the sanctions list.
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What is the Russian Shadow Fleet?
The Russian shadow fleet consists of hundreds of oil tankers that try to avoid Western sanctions. For example, to circumvent oil sanctions or steal grain from Ukraine and sell it in other countries. In this way, for example, the shadow fleet is involved in Russian support for the Houthis, who are making Yemen and the Red Sea unsafe. The shadow fleet ships are often old, often sail under a false flag or without a flag, and regularly switch off their signals. They therefore pose a threat to maritime safety and the environment.
The new sanctions in brief
- The EU imposes additional sanctions on another 41 ships from the Russian shadow fleet. With the sanctions, the ships no longer have access to European ports and services. This ban now applies to 605 ships. The Netherlands has made a strong case for these new proposals. With these sanctions we hit the Russian war chest and protect our coasts.
- Sanctions against 4 companies and 5 individuals supporting the shadow fleet. This concerns oil traders and shipping companies in other countries.
- Sanctions against a Russian prosecutor and a judge involved in serious human rights violations in the Russian legal system.
- Sanctions against 12 individuals and 2 organizations involved in Russian hybrid threats, including war propagandists. Read more about hybrid threats.
Are the sanctions against Russia effective?
The sanctions against Russia affect the Russian treasury. Among other things, around €300 billion from the Russian Central Bank has been blocked in the EU and G7 countries. More than €21 billion in private assets have been frozen. And Russia is missing out on approximately €91 billion in exports to the EU. Money that Russia cannot use to wage war. Also read the article: Do sanctions work?
Export restrictions also mean that Russia has less and less access to high technology, such as aircraft parts and computer chips.
Continued commitment of the European Union
The European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine in its right to self-defense against Russian aggression. And to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future. A complete overview of the sanctions can be found on the EU sanctions page. See also the EU timeline of sanctions against Russia.