17th EU SANCTIONS PACKAGE

Sanctions adopted following Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. 

The European Union (EU) continues to adopt further packages of economic sanctions against Russia due to the continuance of its military aggression against Ukraine, the latest of which is summarised below. The relevant legal framework is EU Regulation 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine (“Regulation 269”) and EU Regulation 833/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine (“Regulation 833”) (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “EU Sanctions”).

Note: The position is constantly evolving. Additional sanctions may be introduced in the coming days and these will be the subject of future articles. 

This information is:

• of a general nature only and is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual or entity;

• not necessarily comprehensive, complete, or up to date;

• not professional or legal advice (if you need specific advice, you may consult us).

17th SANCTIONS PACKAGE

The European Union adopted on 20th of May 2025 its 17th sanctions package in response to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine through the Council Regulation (EU) 2025/932 of 20 May 2025 amending Regulation (EU) No 833/2014 concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia’s actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine and through the Council Regulation (EU) 2025/933 of 20 May 2025 implementing Regulation (EU) No 269/2014 concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

The 17th package is EU’s largest ever package targeting Putin’s shadow fleet, doubling the number of vessels included in the list of those subject to a port access ban, ban on provision of a broad range of service. This package is also aiming to further restrict Russia's access to battlefield technologies, cut revenues from Russian energy imports and also introduces new hybrid, human rights, and chemical weapons-related sanctions.

Key elements of the 17th package: 

Russian’s Shadow Fleet

New 189 vessels originating from third countries were targeted (primarily oil tankers), bringing the total of designated vessels to 342. This “shadow fleet” – a loosely affiliated network of ships is responsible for transporting Russian oil while practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices and/or supporting Russia’s energy sector.

 Energy Sector

EU has sanctioned major Russian energy actors including Surgutneftegaz, a major Russian oil company which provides substantial revenues to the Russian government, directly fuelling its war effort and Eiger Shipping DMCC, a Dubai based entity that controls vessels that transport crude oil or petroleum products, originating in Russia or exported from Russia, while practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices.

Military-Industrial Complex

EU is imposed sanctions on more than 45 Russian companies and individuals providing the Russian army with weapons, drones, military equipment, ammunition, critical components and logistical support. New 31 companies were added to the list since they are providing direct or indirect support to Russia's military industrial complex, or engaged in sanctions circumvention, subject to tighter export restrictions concerning dual use goods and technologies. This includes companies established in Russia and in third countries (Turkey, Vietnam, UAE, Serbia and Uzbekistan).

Additional Listings

This package introduces 75 additional listings, including 17 individuals and 58 entities, responsible for actions undermining the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine. The sanctions imposed include asset freeze and prohibition to make economic resources available and – in the case of individuals – also includes travel bans.

Trade Measures

The package further expands the list of dual use and advanced technology items subject to export restrictions with the aim of cutting Russia off from key technologies, in particular for military use, such as chemical precursors to energetic material and spare parts and components of highprecision Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools.

Russian Hybrid Threat and Human Rights Violation

Additional restrictive measures were imposed by EU against 21 individuals and 6 entities responsible for Russia’s destabilising actions abroad. EU in addition imposed restrictive measures on 28 individuals responsible for serious violations of human rights and the repression of democratic opposition. The new listings target members of the Russian judiciary: judges, prosecutors, representative of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation and regional courts, as well as members of the Investigative Committee.