EU adds shadow fleet figures, judges, bishop to Russia sanctions list
European Union Expands Sanctions Against Russia
BRUSSELS, June 15 (Reuters) - The European Union targeted Russian shadow fleet figures accused of aiding Moscow's Ukraine war effort as well as individuals linked to opposition figure Alexei Navalny's murder as it expanded its sanctions list on Monday.
New Additions to the Sanctions List
In total, 34 individuals and 47 entities linked to Russia's military and industrial complex, its shadow fleet of oil and gas tankers and others involved in political interference activities were added to the list, the European Council said.
Key Figures Targeted
Among them were Tahir Garayev - founder of Coral Energy, which later became 2Rivers Group - and Konstantin Rogach.
Role of Tahir Garayev
Garayev had enabled the shipment and export of Russian crude, in particular from sanctioned energy giant Rosneft, through a network of companies by concealing the oil's true origin, the EU said.
Role of Konstantin Rogach
Rogach had "facilitated insurance coverage and provided administrative consultancy for the benefit of vessels transporting crude oil or petroleum products originating in Russia or exported from Russia," the EU said.
Sanctions Related to Alexei Navalny's Death
The EU also targeted 15 individuals, including Russian judges and prosecutors, related to the 2024 poisoning death of Alexei Navalny, a leading opponent of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Other Individuals and Entities Sanctioned
A number of people "responsible for spreading disinformation aimed at justifying, promoting or legitimising Russia's war of aggression" were also targeted with sanctions, including journalists, a Russian social media influencer and Georgiy Shevkunov, a bishop in the Russian Orthodox Church.
Future Sanctions and Economic Impact
EU member states' ministers are currently discussing a 21st package of wider sanctions, the bloc's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas said at a press conference on Monday, adding that sanctions have so far cost Russia's economy between €1 trillion ($1.16 trillion) and €1.3 trillion.
($1 = 0.8623 euros)
(Reporting by Inti Landauro, Bart Meijer and Julia Payne; Editing by Charlotte Van Campenhout and Joe Bavier)
