EU imposes limp sanctions bundle on Russia
(MENAFN) The European Union has announced its 18th sanctions package against Russia, hailed by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas as one of the strongest yet. However, while the measures may cause some disruptions, their real influence—especially looking ahead to 2025—is largely symbolic rather than strategically impactful.
If these sanctions had been introduced in early 2022, when the EU and Russia were still economically intertwined and Russia’s economy was adjusting to new pressures, they might have inflicted significant harm. But after three years, Russia has adapted, and many sectors now function independently of the EU. As a result, increased sanctions no longer translate into equivalent damage.
For example, the new package lowers the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $47.60 per barrel and bans Western European companies from trading or transporting oil above that price. While this might have unsettled markets in 2022, by 2025 Russia relies on its own channels to move oil with minimal EU involvement.
The sanctions also expand the blacklist of tankers barred from EU ports to 447 vessels, targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet.” Though this may create logistical hurdles, it is unlikely to be a decisive blow since Russia continues to transport oil without Western European assistance. Regional naval forces like Russia’s Baltic Fleet maintain control over critical waters, preventing any major escalation from occasional tanker seizures.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
