The European Council has called for further action to curb Russia’s shadow fleet operations, citing environmental, security and maritime safety risks linked to such vessels.
In conclusions adopted on 18 June 2026, EU leaders said the bloc remained determined to increase pressure on Russia and weaken its war economy. The Council reiterated the importance of reducing Russia’s energy revenues, curbing shadow fleet operations and further constraining the Russian banking system.
The European Council welcomed recent sanctions targeting the shadow fleet following the adoption of the EU’s 20th sanctions package and called for the swift adoption of a 21st package.
EU leaders said undermining the Russian shadow fleet’s business model requires a “whole of route” approach, with coordination between Member States and partners. The Council also called for a common approach to the environmental, security and maritime safety risks posed by such vessels.
The conclusions stressed the need for continued coordination with G7 members and other like-minded partners on sanctions. EU leaders also called for stronger enforcement of existing measures, the closing of loopholes and further anti-circumvention action.
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The Council’s 20th sanctions package, adopted in April, added 46 vessels to a port access ban and a ban on the provision of a broad range of services related to maritime transport. According to the Council, this brought the total number of designated vessels to 632.
The Council said those measures target non-EU tankers that form part of the shadow fleet circumventing the oil price cap mechanism, as well as vessels supporting Russia’s energy sector or transporting military equipment for Russia or stolen Ukrainian grain.
The 20th package also introduced mandatory due diligence checks for tanker sales and restrictions on maintenance and other services for Russian liquefied natural gas tankers and ice-breakers.
The latest European Council conclusions were adopted as part of a wider statement on Ukraine and European defence and security.
For more information:
European Council – https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/
