Estonian authorities detained an oil tanker which forms part of Russia's ‘shadow fleet’
Latest EU sanctions largely toothless
Without US backing, the EU’s newest sanctions package against Russia—though not painless—is unlikely to have a significant impact on the country’s oil and gas revenues or its broader economy
The EU unveiled what it described as one of its most punitive sanctions packages against Russia in late July, targeting the country’s energy and financial sectors with new restrictions designed to curb Moscow’s wartime revenues. However, while the measures will not be painless to Russia, they are unlikely to have a significant impact on either the country’s oil and gas receipts or its broader economy, which has largely adapted to sanctions and partial international isolation over the past three years. Moreover, the latest package critically lacks US backing, likely undermining its effectiveness. Oil sanctions Agreed by EU ambassadors on 18 July, the 18th sanctions package includes a reductio
Also in this section
7 November 2025
The Russian company’s German assets are under Berlin’s management and are exempt from sanctions, for now, but a permanent solution still needs to be found
6 November 2025
The Russian firm made a significant attempt to expand overseas over the past two decades but is now divesting its global operations
6 November 2025
After years of pursuing ideologically driven climate leadership, Western powers are now stepping back under mounting political pressure and rising populist opposition—prompting concern essential climate action could be sidelined
5 November 2025
Construction of the pipeline in Afghanistan is making tangible progress, but extending it into Pakistan and India remains unrealistic for political reasons
