Germany announces forthcoming adoption of new EU sanctions package against Russia

Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz has confirmed that the European Union will adopt a new package of sanctions against Russia on May 20. The announcement follows recent diplomatic developments in Turkey involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Merz highlighted the significance of President Zelenskyy's visit to Istanbul, describing it as a "great gesture" in the context of ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. He also pointed out the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he interpreted as a diplomatic setback for Moscow.

"Putin did not show up, thereby putting himself in a losing position. The new package of sanctions is ready, we will adopt it in Brussels," Merz said.

This will be the European Union's seventeenth sanctions package against Russia, following the sixteenth package adopted in February, which targeted Russia for its continued military aggression against Ukraine.

According to media reports, the latest sanctions will focus on Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," with around 200 oil tankers facing blacklisting.
These vessels are reportedly used to circumvent restrictions on Russian oil exports. The package is also expected to include sanctions against Russian citizens accused of cyberattacks, human rights violations, and sabotage within Europe.