EU and UK Impose Parallel Sanctions on Russia

The European Union and the United Kingdom have announced coordinated packages of sanctions(parallel sanctions) against Russia, targeting its so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers that transport oil to circumvent Western restrictions. The EU’s sanctions package targets 189 ships, while the UK’s wide-ranging package also targets the supply chains of Russian weapons systems, including Iskander missiles, Kremlin-funded information operations, and financial institutions that help Russia evade sanctions.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need to intensify pressure on Russia, stating, “It’s time to intensify the pressure on Russia to bring about the ceasefire.” This statement came after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The EU and UK’s coordinated action was noted by Al Jazeera’s Jonah Hull, who said the two entities were “acting in concert”, releasing new sanctions after sealing a new defence and security pact during reset talks in London.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova responded to the sanctions, saying, “Russia would never bow to ultimatums from anyone,” and adding that Europe wants to re-arm Ukraine to continue the war. US President Donald Trump said he was weighing what actions to take after the EU and UK moves, stating, “We’re looking at a lot of things, but we’ll see.”

The coordinated EU and UK action came after Trump failed to secure a promise for a ceasefire in Ukraine from Putin in their phone call on Monday. Putin said Moscow was ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum about a future peace accord, stating that discussions would include the principles of a settlement and the timing and definitions of a possible ceasefire. However, Zelenskyy said, “It’s obvious that Russia is trying to buy time to continue the war and occupation.” He added, “We are working with partners to put pressure on the Russians to behave differently,” in an apparent reference to further international sanctions on Russia.

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called for further action to “push Vladimir Putin to put an end to his imperialist fantasy”. Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said, “Putin is clearly playing for time; unfortunately, we have to say Putin is not really interested in peace”. The EU and UK have suggested that more sanctions could follow.