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EU adopts 17th sanctions package against Russia

Date of Publication: May 27, 2025
The European Union (EU) has adopted its 17th Sanctions Package against Russia, further intensifying measures in response to Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. This package aims to further restrict Russia's access to battlefield technologies and cut revenues from Russian energy imports by targeting an unprecedented number of vessels from
Russia's shadow fleet
.
The EU has targeted the
Russian oil giant Surgutneftegas
 for the first time.

Key elements of the 17th package:

Crackdown on Russia’s Shadow Fleet
  • The EU has designated an additional
    189 vessels
     associated with Russia’s shadow fleet or energy revenue streams, bringing the
    total number of sanctioned vessels to 342
    .
  • These vessels were identified in coordination with
    EU Member
    States and the
    European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA)
    .
  • They are now subject to a
    ban on port access within the EU
     and
    a prohibition on the provision of related services
    .
Corporate Listings for Military Support and Circumvention
  • Sanctioned
    thirty-one new entities
     for directly or indirectly supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex or engaging in sanctions circumvention.
  • Includes
    eighteen entities based in Russia
     and
    thirteen based in other countries
     (Türkiye – 6, Vietnam – 3, UAE – 2, Serbia – 1, Uzbekistan – 1).
Additional Individual and Entity Listings
  • The EU has designated
    seventy-five new entries: seventeen individuals
    and
    fifty-eight entities
    – for actions undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
  • Targets mostly the Russian military and defence sectors, shadow fleet enablers, looters of cultural heritage, and the
    Joint Stock Company Volga Shipping
     (Russian shipping company, important for generating revenue).
  • These parties are now subject to: Asset freezes, Prohibitions on making economic resources available & Travel bans for individuals.
Expanded Export Controls and Trade Measures
Broadened restrictions on dual-use goods and advanced technologies, specifically:
  • Chemical precursors
     used in missile propellants (Example: Sodium Chlorate, Aluminium Powder)
  • Spare parts and components of high-precision CNC machine tools
     essential for Russia's military manufacturing (Example: Ball Screws and Encoders)
  • New items are also subject to transit bans and tighter anti-circumvention controls.
Sakhalin Oil Exemption Extension
  • Extended the exemption allowing transport of crude oil from
    Sakhalin-2 Project
     in Russia to Japan until
    28 June 2026
    , citing Japanese energy security needs.
As a reminder, Russia is constantly looking for ways to evade sanctions. This means continued efforts are required in tackling circumvention. EU continues its outreach to key third countries to combat circumvention. Working with like- minded partners, these partners have also agreed a list of Common High Priority sanctioned goods to which businesses should apply particular due diligence, and which third countries must not re-export to Russia. In addition, the EU, has also drawn up a list of sanctioned goods that are economically critical and on which businesses and third countries should be especially vigilant.

Conclusion

The 17th EU sanctions package underscores the EU’s strong commitment to supporting Ukraine and by targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, key energy players like Surgutneftegas, the EU aims to further weaken Russia’s ability to finance its war.
The EU is already preparing an 18th package, signalling that pressure on Russia will intensify if its aggression continues.
Companies must stay vigilant and ensure compliance with these evolving regulations to avoid legal risks.
These changes have been updated in ONESOURCE Global Trade Content.
For more information on how ONESOURCE Global Trade solutions can assist you in managing restricted party screening, please contact your Account Manager or Customer Success Manager.