EU, US Coordinate New Sanctions Targeting Russian Shadow Fleet, Nord Stream Pipelines

The European Union, in coordination with the United States, is preparing new sanctions targeting Russia, focusing especially on the so-called "shadow fleet" of oil tankers that circumvent existing sanctions and transport Russian oil, which significantly funds the Kremlin. German officials, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful, have emphasized the importance of these measures, which also include restrictions related to the Nord Stream gas pipelines and increased protection of Baltic Sea infrastructure. Experts and EU officials have called for coordinated interdiction of the shadow fleet, which operates by using flags of convenience and carries a large portion of Russia's oil exports through northern European waters, despite risks of Russian military retaliation. The EU's latest sanctions package aims to intensify pressure on Russia to agree to an unconditional ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, as diplomatic efforts remain stalled following Russia's absence of top leadership at recent peace talks. While some legal and enforcement challenges persist, officials urge decisive action, including barring sanctioned ships from EU waters to curb Russia's economic resources, highlighting the shadow fleet's critical role in sustaining Russia's war effort. These developments reflect a unified Western strategy to increase economic pressure on Russia in hopes of advancing peace negotiations.