On May 20, the European Union and the United Kingdom escalated their economic pressure on Russia by imposing a new wave of sanctions aimed at further isolating Moscow amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This marks the 17th round of punitive measures from the EU, alongside coordinated sanctions from the UK, targeting key sectors and entities that Western powers say are critical to Russia’s ability to sustain its war efforts. However, this assertive move comes despite cautionary warnings from US President Donald Trump, who has expressed concern that increasing economic restrictions could undermine delicate peace negotiations.

The latest sanctions package was announced shortly after a telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Trump on May 19. While both leaders described the call as constructive, Trump urged restraint regarding new economic penalties, suggesting that harsher sanctions might complicate efforts to bring the two countries back to the negotiating table.

Nevertheless, the EU’s top decision-making body, the European Council, went ahead with a fresh round of measures targeting what EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described as “nearly 200 shadow fleet ships.” These vessels are alleged to play a significant role in helping Russia circumvent international efforts, particularly those led by the Group of Seven (G7), to enforce a price cap on Moscow’s crude oil exports. The sanctions focus on freezing assets and banning operations linked to this so-called “shadow fleet,” which Western officials claim undermines the efficacy of sanctions already in place.

In a parallel move, the UK government imposed sanctions on 18 additional vessels believed to be part of the same network. These actions reflect an intensified commitment from London to disrupt Russia’s ability to generate revenue from oil sales, a key source of funding for its military campaigns.

Moreover, the UK targeted the St. Petersburg Currency Exchange and Russia’s state deposit insurance agency in its latest sanctions round. Foreign Secretary David Lammy underscored that these measures are intended to “hold Vladimir Putin accountable for delaying peace........

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