The European Union plans to approve new sanctions against oil refining enterprises and entities associated with the Russian "shadow fleet" on November 16. The restrictions are intended to increase pressure on Russia's energy sector and reduce the revenues that Moscow uses to finance the war against Ukraine.
This was announced on November 12 by European Commissioner for Financial Services Maria Luís Albuquerque during a speech in the European Parliament.
According to her, EU foreign ministers intend to adopt additional sanctions lists at a meeting on Monday, November 16. The new restrictions will target oil refineries, as well as companies and other participants in the network that ensures the operation of the Russian "shadow fleet".
The commissioner stressed that the sanctions are aimed not only at direct participants in the Russian energy sector, but also at intermediaries that help Russia circumvent international restrictions and earn profits from oil exports.
At the same time, Albuquerque clarified that this is an expansion of the sanctions lists, not the adoption of a full-fledged 22nd sanctions package of the EU. The European Commission and the European External Action Service are still finalizing proposals for a new comprehensive package.
The day before, on November 11, ambassadors of EU member states preliminarily agreed on sanctions against 145 individuals and legal entities. As reported by "European Pravda" citing an EU diplomat, among them are 50 Russian banks, as well as companies that facilitate the activities of the "shadow fleet". The final decision is expected at a meeting of the Council of the EU on November 16.
According to data presented by Albuquerque, the European Union has already imposed restrictions on over 690 vessels of the Russian "shadow fleet". Such vessels are prohibited from entering EU ports and using a number of European services. In addition, over 100 Russian banks are under a ban on conducting operations with European counterparties.
Earlier, in July 2026, the Council of the EU adopted the 21st sanctions package, which also tightened restrictions against the Russian oil sector. The sanctions then extended, among other things, to three oil refineries in Russia and one in Belarus, and 41 more vessels were added to the list of sanctioned ships.
In Brussels, the need for further strengthening of sanctions is explained by the desire to reduce Russia's energy revenues and limit the possibilities of circumventing existing prohibitions through intermediaries and companies in third countries.
Currently, the new sanctions have not yet entered into force. Their final composition will be known after approval by the Council of the EU and publication of the relevant legal acts.
Based on materials from: European Commission, Council of the European Union
