1. Sanctioning 41 vessels of the shadow fleet

On 18 December 2025, the EU imposed restrictive measures on 41 additional vessels linked to Russia's shadow fleet. These vessels are accused of circumventing the oil price cap mechanism, supporting Russia's energy sector, transporting military equipment, or facilitating the theft of Ukrainian grain and cultural goods.

The sanctions include a port access ban and restrictions on maritime services. This brings the total number of designated vessels to nearly 600. The EU has reaffirmed its readiness to adopt further measures to pressure Russia and its shadow fleet operations.

2. Targeting 9 shadow fleet enablers

On 15 December 2025, the EU also sanctioned five individuals, and four entities involved in supporting Russia's shadow fleet. These include businessmen linked to major Russian oil companies, such as Rosneft and Lukoil, and shipping companies based in the UAE, Vietnam and Russia.

The sanctions involve asset freezes, travel bans and prohibitions on EU citizens and companies providing funds to the listed parties. These measures aim to disrupt the shadow fleet's operations, which involve concealing the origin of Russian oil and engaging in high-risk shipping practices.

The press releases can be found here and here