Overview

• The EU's 15th sanctions package aims to curb Russia's 'shadow fleet' of oil tankers, banning over 50 additional vessels from EU ports and services.
• New trade restrictions target more than 30 entities, including Chinese firms allegedly involved in supplying military technology to Russia.
• The sanctions also impose asset freezes and travel bans on individuals and entities aiding Russia's military, with formal adoption expected next week.
• Environmental concerns have been raised over the aging, unregulated tankers in the shadow fleet, which pose risks of oil spills in the Baltic Sea.
• Negotiations faced delays due to disagreements over exemptions for EU firms still operating in Russia, with a compromise reached on non-binding guidance to exit the Russian market.