EU Parliament Urges Sanctions on Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’

Brussels (Eurotoday) – EU Parliament demands more targeted EU measures against Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’, which acts as a financial lifeline for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

How the Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ network operate?What steps can be taken to enforce sanctions on Russian vessels?

In a resolution adopted on 14 Nov 2024, the European Parliament calls for more targeted actions against Russian vessels in the following EU sanctions packages, including all individual ships as well as their proprietors, operators, supervisors, accounts, banks and insurance firms. 

How the Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ network operate?

MEPs stated that Russia operates old tankers, usually uninsured and with opaque ownership, to export its crude oil and petroleum products abroad, despite EU, G7 and international sanctions. These actions have also extended fears over the risk of environmental catastrophes, including severe oil spills. They contend that as part of systematic steps to undermine EU restrictive actions, the ‘shadow fleet’ provides a critical financial lifeline for Russia in its criminal and inexcusable war of aggression against Ukraine.

What steps can be taken to enforce sanctions on Russian vessels?

The resolution urges the systematic sanctioning of vessels sailing via EU waters without understood insurance and recommends the EU improve its surveillance capabilities, especially drone and satellite monitoring, and operate targeted inspections at sea. MEPs want EU member states to establish ports capable of handling sanctioned ships carrying crude oil and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) and to capture illegal cargo without compensation.

Moreover, the resolution further urges G7 countries to better implement the price cap set on Russian seaborne oil, to substantially reduce the oil price cap and to crack down on the loopholes utilised by Russia to repackage and market its oil and oil products at market prices. 

Should the EU ban all imports of Russian fossil fuels?

Emphasizing that the impact of existing sanctions and the financial and military backing to Ukraine will continue to be sabotaged as long as the EU imports Russian fossil fuels, MEPs demand the EU and its member states prohibit all imports of Russian fossil fuels, including LNG. 

Indicating the necessity for much more stringent enforcement of current EU sanctions, the text also notes that the EU should seriously reassess its bilateral partnership with third countries that are supporting Russia to circumvent EU restrictive measures in place if diplomatic measures are unsuccessful.


Comments

3 responses to “EU Parliament Urges Sanctions on Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’”

  1. Bootleg 
Taximan Avatar
    Bootleg Taximan

    Ah, the EU Parliament is finally getting around to urging sanctions on Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’—because we all know a sternly worded letter is the best way to deter those cheeky maritime mischief-makers. One can only hope that these sanctions are as effective as trying to keep a British pub open during a World Cup match—good luck with that! But hey, at least they’re doing something, right?

  2. Pixie Soldier Avatar
    Pixie Soldier

    Well, it seems the EU Parliament has finally discovered that Russia has a ‘shadow fleet’—who knew? Perhaps next they’ll unveil the shocking revelation that the sun rises in the east. As if slapping a few sanctions on the maritime equivalent of a game of hide-and-seek will somehow bring the Kremlin to its knees! Cheers to political theater; pass the popcorn!

  3. little general Avatar
    little general

    Well, it seems the EU Parliament has finally decided to play a game of “Whack-a-Mole” with Russia’s shadow fleet, as if they expected a fleet of ghost ships to just pop back to port and say, “Sorry, mate!” Honestly, it’s like trying to catch a rogue pigeon in Trafalgar Square—good luck with that! Perhaps they should consider a catchy jingle while they’re at it; “Sanctions on the high seas, it’ll be a breeze!”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

World Amazed by New Crow Discovery

World Amazed by New Crow Discovery

Crows in Yellowstone National Park exhibit far more remarkable abilities than previously understood by scientists. Recent research reveals that these birds don’t trail wolves for immediate prey but instead use their memory to anticipate where predators are most likely to make a kill.
The study, titled “Ravens anticipate wolf kill sites across wide scales,” was published in the renowned jour

Read More

Budapest and Kyiv Thaw Relations

Budapest and Kyiv Thaw Relations

After years of Hungary’s former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán hindering Ukraine’s EU accession, Budapest and Kyiv are in dialogue again. This raises speculation in Brussels about Hungary potentially easing its stance on Ukraine joining the EU.
In today’s podcast, Nick and Ian explore why EU membership is crucial for Ukraine and why, despite a possible change in Budapest’s outlook, immediate shifts a

Read More

39 Pupils Abducted in Oyo State School Attack Amid Growing Nigeria Security Concerns 2026

39 Pupils Abducted in Oyo State School Attack Amid Growing Nigeria Security Concerns 2026

Oyo State, Nigeria – May 18, 2026 – Eurotoday — The Nigeria kidnapping crisis intensified after officials confirmed that 39 pupils were abducted during a deadly attack in Oyo State that also claimed the life of a teacher. The violent incident has once again raised serious concerns about school security, organized criminal activity, and the safety of children across parts of Nigeria.
Authorities sa

Read More

Scrutiny on Human Rights Violations in Europe

Scrutiny on Human Rights Violations in Europe

Why European human rights violations still matter
A government might sign every significant convention and advocate for dignity and the rule of law yet still allow abuses at its borders, in prisons, through digital systems, and in the treatment of minorities. Hence, European human rights violations remain a pressing political issue rather than just a historical one. Across Europe, the concern is

Read More

Ireland’s President ‘Proud’ of Sister Detained by Israel on Gaza Route

Ireland’s President ‘Proud’ of Sister Detained by Israel on Gaza Route

Earlier, the Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed the flotilla as “a provocation for the sake of provocation” aimed to serve Hamas, divert attention from Hamas’ refusal to disarm, and obstruct progress on President Trump’s peace plan.
Israel’s foreign press department didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
In Dublin, the Department of Foreign Affairs stated it was “ac

Read More

UK Secures Experimental Japanese Drug to Enhance Hantavirus Protection in 2026

UK Secures Experimental Japanese Drug to Enhance Hantavirus Protection in 2026

London, United Kingdom – May 18, 2026 – Eurotoday Newspaper — UK public health news gained international attention after British officials confirmed that the United Kingdom secured access to an experimental antiviral drug from Japan designed to strengthen the country’s preparedness against hantavirus threats. The announcement reflects growing concern among global health authorities regarding emerg

Read More

Russia Rejoins Gymnastics, Anthem and Flag Restored

Russia Rejoins Gymnastics, Anthem and Flag Restored

The International Gymnastics Federation’s Executive Committee has permitted Russian athletes to compete in international events with their national flag and anthem, as announced by the Russian Gymnastics Federation (FGR).
This decision affects all five disciplines under the FGR: artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, sports acrobatics, and sports aerobics.
Oleg Belozerov, President o

Read More

Andalusia Defeat Signals Trouble for Spain’s Sánchez in 2027 Election

Andalusia Defeat Signals Trouble for Spain’s Sánchez in 2027 Election

The electoral outcome is disappointing for Moreno. Despite the PP maintaining dominance in Andalusia by winning all eight provinces, losing five seats and its parliamentary majority is a setback. “It’s an overwhelming victory, but it’s not enough,” stated José Manuel Trujillo, a political scientist from Seville’s Pablo de Olavide University. He largely blamed the loss on voters who had previously

Read More

Commander Filmed Killing Civilians in Sudan Allegedly Returns to Combat in 2026

Commander Filmed Killing Civilians in Sudan Allegedly Returns to Combat in 2026

Khartoum, Sudan – May 18, 2026 – Eurotoday — The Sudan conflict investigation has gained renewed international attention after multiple sources claimed that a military commander previously filmed killing civilians has reportedly returned to active combat operations. The allegations have reignited global concerns surrounding accountability, human rights violations, and the worsening humanitarian cr

Read More

Russia Claims Satanism in Eurovision

Russia Claims Satanism in Eurovision

In what seems like a throwback to the era of witch trials, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has criticized Eurovision, labeling it as “Satanism” after Bulgaria’s triumph at the 2026 Vienna Song Contest with Dara’s “Bangaranga.” Lavrov claimed the contest’s selection criteria align with “Satanism.”
Russia emphasizes the “spirit of traditional values.”
“This is why we feel comfortable

Read More