The European Union has approved the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced, quoted by Reuters. He made his statement on the French television BFM TV and added that the bloc will now work on imposing even stricter sanctions together with the United States.
The new sanctions are mainly aimed at the so-called shadow fleet of Russia, sources in world agencies reported. The ships of the "shadow fleet" help Moscow circumvent Western sanctions and are considered a security and environmental risk, DPA notes.
The new sanctions are expected to ban about 200 ships from entering European ports. Sanctioned ships will no longer be able to use the services of European companies.
The measures were approved by EU representatives in Brussels and are expected to be formally adopted by EU foreign ministers at their meeting next week.