EU backs new sanctions ahead of planned Ukraine-Russia talks

European Union countries on Wednesday endorsed the bloc's 17th round of sanctions on Russia, EU diplomats said.

The fresh sanctions aim to further tighten measures against the so-called Russian shadow fleet, according to sources.

The ships, often underinsured and with murky ownership, help Moscow evade Western oil price caps. They are considered a security and environmental hazard.

Under the proposal, a total of around 200 ships are to be banned from entering EU ports. Sanctioned vessels are also no longer able to benefit from services provided by European companies.

Personal sanctions such as EU entry bans and asset freezes are foreseen in more than a dozen cases.

There are additionally plans to target several dozen companies that are involved in circumventing Russia sanctions.

The measures were endorsed by EU ambassadors in Brussels and are expected to be formally adopted by EU foreign ministers at their meeting next week.

Further punitive actions are being prepared against organizations and individuals for spreading false news and human rights violations.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the additional sanctions.

"This war has to end. We will keep the pressure high on the Kremlin," she wrote on X.

The agreement comes ahead of a potential meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday.

Ukraine, with support from European allies, demanded over the weekend that Russia agree to 30-day ceasefire. In response, Putin proposed direct negotiations in Turkey on Thursday.

Zelensky accepted the challenge and announced plans to travel there, although the Kremlin has yet to confirm whether Putin will attend.