The European Union is considering another sanctions package that could add 48 more Russia-trading tankers to the blacklist.
Envoys are meeting on Wednesday to discuss a 15th round of measures aimed at choking off Moscow’s oil revenue following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The package will include Chinese firms involved in making drones for Russia, EU diplomats told Reuters.
A total of 29 companies and 54 individuals are being lined up to be designated.
The EU already has more than 2,200 entities and people on the sanctions list, which bans travel and freezes assets in the 27-member organisation.
No large opposition is expected from any member country, the sources added.
And Reuters reported that a more extensive round of sanctions will be suggested in January, when Poland takes over the EU’s rotating presidency from Hungary, whose Moscow-friendly government has tried to delay or block measures aiding Ukraine.
Earlier this month, the EU sanctioned Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), its director Mohammad Reza Khiabani and three Russian shipping companies, MG Flot, VTS Broker and Arapax, for transporting missiles and drones to Russia.
UK steps up sanctions
The Russian companies were said to have shipped Iranian-made weapons and ammunition across the Caspian Sea to resupply Russian forces.
The UK also sanctioned IRISL, which is listed with 92 vessels, including two container ships, tankers, general cargo and multipurpose tonnage.
On Tuesday, the UK announced its biggest-ever shipping sanctions package against Russia.
A further 30 vessels were sanctioned, bringing the total announced by Britain alone to 73 ships.
Two Russian insurance companies, AlfaStrakhovanie and VSK, have also been sanctioned by the UK for their roles in “enabling the shadow fleet”. AlfaStrakhovanie was previously designated by the EU in 2023.
Tanker owner Frontline said on Wednesday that an “astonishing” 6% of the global VLCC, suezmax and aframax/LR2 fleet is now reported to be sanctioned by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control.
