EU adopts 17th Russia sanctions package
Targets access to battlefield technologies and energy revenues
The European Commission on May 19, 2025, issued a release announcing the adoption of the 17th Russia sanctions package by the Council. The package aims to increase economic pressure on Russia amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine by targeting its access to battlefield technologies and energy revenues.
The sanctions package includes anti-circumvention measures, listing 189 additional vessels from Russia's shadow fleet, bringing the total to 342. These vessels are now subject to port access bans and service prohibitions, significantly impacting Russia's ability to export oil. Additionally, 31 new companies supporting Russia's military industrial complex have been listed, including entities from Russia, Turkey, Vietnam, UAE, Serbia, and Uzbekistan. The package also includes 75 new listings of individuals and entities undermining Ukraine's sovereignty, with asset freezes and travel bans imposed.
Trade measures expand restrictions on dual-use and advanced technology items, such as chemical precursors to energetic material and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tool components.
Lastly, the sanctions package includes an extension of the exemption from the oil price cap, allowing for the transport of crude oil originating in the Sakhalin-2 Project in Russia by vessel to Japan, based on energy security concerns. The extension is granted until June 28, 2026.