EU Imposes Fresh Sanctions on Russia’s Shadow Fleet Backers

The bloc also separately sanctioned 12 people and two entities over cyber attacks and information manipulation, in light of Russia’s alleged hybrid activities.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas rings a bell to signify the start of a meeting of EU foreign ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Belgium, on Dec. 15, 2025. Virginia Mayo/AP Photo

The European Union on Dec. 15 announced sanctions against five businessmen and four companies, calling them enablers of Russia’s shadow fleet.

The Council of the EU said in a statement that the businessmen are linked directly or indirectly to state-owned Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil and are involved in providing a source of revenue for the Russian government.