**US to Impose New Sanctions on Russian Energy**
The US is planning to impose more sanctions on Russia’s energy sector by the end of the year. The sanctions will specifically target Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which includes over 100 oil tankers that are meant to evade existing sanctions.
According to Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Ukraine’s commissioner for sanctions, the new sanctions package is expected to have a significant impact on Russia’s ability to fund its war against Ukraine. The US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has previously mentioned that Washington is considering more sanctions on shadow fleet tankers and may even target Chinese banks if they are found to be involved in Russia’s war effort.
**EU and UK Also Imposing Sanctions**
The EU and the UK are also planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet. Recent sanctions by the US, EU, and UK have already targeted Russia’s energy sector, with the aim of punishing Russia for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Russia’s shadow fleet is trying to avoid a $60 per barrel price cap imposed by the G7 on Russian oil. Targeting these ships in one sanctions package will make existing and future sanctions on Russian oil more effective.
**Impact on Russia**
Sanctioning Russia’s shadow fleet would make it difficult for Russia to replace these ships quickly enough to service its export routes. This could have a significant impact on Russia’s ability to fund its war against Ukraine.
**Other News**
* The Ukrainian president has accused Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico of having a “pro-Russian energy policy” that poses a big security issue for Slovakia and Europe.
* The Czech government has decided to wean itself off Russian energy, saying it doesn’t have to “grovel before a mass murderer.”
* Hackers could have used phishing or bribed employees to break into Justice Ministry registries during a recent Russian cyberattack on Ukraine.
* Germany has supplied Ukraine with military aid, including 15 Leopard tanks and air defense systems.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com