President of Ukraine

Yermak-McFaul International Sanctions Group Proposes New Effective Steps to Strengthen Energy Sanctions

18 November 2024 - 19:48

The Yermak-McFaul International Sanctions Group has released a new working paper titled “Next Steps on Energy Sanctions: Tools for Increasing Pressure on Russia in 2025.”

The document analyzes the results of sanctions imposed on Russian energy exports and offers recommendations for further intensifying sanctions pressure.

Experts emphasize the need to strengthen enforcement of the price cap on Russian oil and to include more vessels from the "shadow fleet" in sanctions lists.

"We see that the existing sanctions against Russia’s energy sector are insufficient. Revenues from the sale of Russian oil and gas continue to be used by the aggressor state to fund the war. We need stricter restrictions and more effective control over their observance," Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak said.

The paper also examines the potential impact of lowering the price cap on Russian oil. According to calculations, reducing the cap by $10 per barrel would result in a $17 billion annual loss in Russian export revenues.

Additionally, it underscores the need for the EU to completely abandon imports of Russian oil, natural gas, and petroleum products made from Russian crude that enter EU states via third countries.

Equally important, according to the experts, is the introduction of sanctions against Rosatom, which would enable Europe and the United States to finally eliminate dependence on Russian nuclear fuel.

"The plan proposed by the International Sanctions Group is comprehensive, clear, and effective. Our goal is to ensure the adoption and implementation of these proposals by as many countries as possible. This is what we work on every day with our partners," Advisor – Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk concluded.