The European Union and the United Kingdom have imposed a new round of sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet. This package includes approximately 200 ships. The aim is to hinder Russia's ability to circumvent international regulations and fund its war efforts.
Doubts remain among experts regarding the long-term effectiveness of these sanctions. Sanctioned tankers are still docking in Chinese ports to unload Russian crude oil. Indian refineries are transferring Russian oil to unauthorized tankers offshore, and even sending products to the EU.
The EU's sanction policy has been described as a cat-and-mouse game. The EU has proposed sanctions against 31 companies and individuals. These entities are accused of supporting Russia's military-industrial complex in its war against Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron hopes the United States will follow the EU's lead with similar sanctions. The EU is also exploring the use of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. France has linked its military assistance to Ukraine with the mobilization of revenues from these frozen assets.