The European Union (EU) agreed on a new sanctions package targeting the so-called 'shadow fleet' that smuggles Russian aluminum and crude oil on the 19th (local time).
According to Euronews, Ursula von der Leyen, Chairperson of the EU Commission, noted on this day, 'I welcome the agreement on the 16th sanctions package against Russia.'
Commissioner von der Leyen stated, 'The EU is imposing new export and import bans on more ships belonging to Putin's shadow fleet to intensify crackdowns on evasive actions, and we pledge to continue applying pressure on Russia.'
This sanctions package includes a ban on the import of primary aluminum produced in Russia. Although this issue has been discussed in the past, it was not approved due to objections from some member countries concerned about the economic impact.
Seventy-three ships belonging to Russia's 'shadow fleet' were also added to the blacklist. The shadow fleet refers to tankers that evade sanctions by operating without insurance, turning off transponders, forging documents, or removing the name of the vessel.
Thirteen Russian banks will be excluded from the global SWIFT payment system, and the broadcasting of eight Russian media outlets in Europe will also be prohibited.
The EU plans to hold a Foreign Ministers' meeting on the 24th, which marks the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, to officially adopt the sanctions.
This 16th sanctions package against Russia comes as the United States and Russia are conducting ceasefire negotiations excluding Ukraine and Europe.
Earlier on the 18th, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held ceasefire negotiations regarding Ukraine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud also attended, but no representatives from Europe or Ukraine were included.
European countries led by France are reportedly organizing a second emergency closed meeting in response to the U.S. 'Europe Passing' policy. Countries such as Norway, Canada, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Czech Republic, Greece, Finland, Romania, Sweden, and Belgium are expected to discuss matters related to Ukraine's ceasefire.