European companies can also not trade with ships carrying Russian oil purchased for more than $60 per barrel. The objective being of course to hit Moscow in the wallet. To circumvent the measure, however, Russian leaders are resorting to a ghost fleet, unregistered, unauthorized ships not visible on radar, transporting prohibited goods (oil, weapons, stolen grain, etc.). Twenty-seven of these vessels had already been identified and sanctioned. On Monday, 52 others were blacklisted, effectively banning them from anchoring in European ports and doing business with European companies.
The Russian “ghost” fleet must challenge the EU: “It’s a bit of a game of cat and mouse”
Six Chinese companies blacklisted
Fifty-four individuals and thirty companies found guilty of carrying out activities contrary to respect for the integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine are also on the list. Their assets have been frozen and the movement of individuals banned within the EU. These are mainly Russian companies active in the manufacturing of drones, electronic systems or other components intended for the army, and executives from the energy sector. For the very first time in two and a half years, the European Union also adopted measures against a Chinese national and six companies having, among other things, delivered electronic components to the Russian military industry. Two North Korean nationals as well as companies based in Iran, India, Serbia and the United Arab Emirates are also targeted.
Another package of measures was finally adopted to sanction the individuals and organizations responsible for carrying out destabilization operations orchestrated by Russia. This concerns in particular “GRU Unit 29155”, a secret unit of Russian military intelligence, known for its involvement in assassinations, bombings, cyberattacks and other destabilizing actions abroad.
