The European Council has rolled out a new round of sanctions targeting the foundations of Russia’s war economy, focusing heavily on its maritime operations, military suppliers, and domestic human rights violators.
The EU sanctioned 24 entities and their ships accused of manipulating tracking systems (AIS), conducting ship-to-ship transfers, and operating without adequate liability insurance to move Russian crude oil. Major Russian energy giants Gazprom and Lukoil were included for their roles in vessel management.
Maritime Leadership Sanctioned: Tahir Garayev, founder of Coral Energy (now 2Rivers Group), was sanctioned for controlling a large portion of the shadow fleet. A maritime insurance broker facilitating these exports was also listed.
Military-Industrial Complex: The package hits 7 individuals and 21 entities—including a major Chinese lubricant additive manufacturer—involved in supplying drones and other equipment to the Russian military.
Human Rights Violations: In connection with the death of dissident Alexei Navalny, 15 individuals (including judges, prosecutors, and medical personnel) were sanctioned. Additionally, a facial recognition company used to monitor independent journalists was listed.
Propaganda: The EU sanctioned 10 propagandists, notably Georgiy Shevkunov, a Russian Orthodox bishop and close confidante of Vladimir Putin, who was named Metropolitan of annexed Crimea.Geographical
Breakdown of Sanctioned Shipping Entities: The 24 newly sanctioned maritime entities are distributed globally as follows: Russia (12), United Arab Emirates (5), Turkey (3), Hong Kong (2), Azerbaijan (1), Liberia(1).
