On May 14, 2025, the European Union (EU) ambassadors in Brussels approved the 17th package of sanctions against Russia. This aims to increase pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine. The EU defense ministers are expected to give their final approval on May 20.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU is further restricting Russia's access to battlefield technology. The new sanctions include measures against 189 vessels of Russia's "shadow fleet" used to circumvent restrictions on oil exports.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas noted the sanctions increase pressure on Vladimir Putin's regime. The EU has imposed sanctions targeting 2,400 individuals and entities since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The measures also target about 30 companies involved in sanctions evasion and 75 sanctions on entities and individuals linked to the Russian military-industrial complex.