EU to sanction Nord Stream pipelines, Russian shadow fleet

BRUSSELS, May 16 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU) said it is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia targeting critical infrastructure and economic sectors, including sanctions on Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines, blacklisting additional vessels from Russiaآ’s so-called "shadow fleet", a lower cap on Russian oil exports, and further restrictions on the countryآ’s financial sector.
Speaking at the European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Tirana, Albania, on Friday, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the urgent need to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing repeated actions that undermine peace efforts.
"We have to increase the pressure," von der Leyen said during her doorstep remarks. "This is why we are working on a new package of sanctions." Von der Leyen said that the European Political Community was created in response to Russiaآ’s invasion of Ukraine, aiming to foster European unity and ensure the continentآ’s long-term stability.
"The European Political Community was founded when Russiaآ’s war of aggression started. It was meant to shape a European answer and make sure that we have stability on the European continent," she said.
Reflecting on recent developments, von der Leyen accused President Putin of acting in bad faith. "He first called for a ceasefire around the 9 May celebrations, which he then never respected. Then Ukraine, with the support of the EU and the United States, called for a full and unconditional ceasefire of 30 days - President Putin rejected it." She also noted that although Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine in Turkiye, he failed to attend the meeting, despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyyآ’s readiness. "This shows that President Putin does not want peace," she said.
Von der Leyen stressed that peace remains the European Unionآ’s primary goal but asserted that it can only be achieved through sustained pressure. "Therefore, we have to increase the pressure on President Putin until Putin is ready for peace." (end) arn.mt