Ukraine Bolsters Sanctions Strategy

In a significant policy discussion on December 11, 2025, Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, met with foreign policy leaders from the Nordic-Baltic region to discuss intensifying sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet. The meeting, involving directors from the Eastern Europe departments of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), focused on enhancing military and political support for Ukraine.

The discussions underscored the importance of a coordinated effort towards achieving a just peace in the region. Zhovkva expressed gratitude towards the NB8 countries for their unwavering support on international platforms. These nations have collectively contributed the most substantial financial support under the PURL initiative, pledging a total of USD 1.55 billion. An additional USD 800 million is required by year-end to fund new defense initiatives for Ukraine.

Special attention was paid to expanding sanctions against the shadow operations of Russia’s fleet, which is responsible for transporting over 60% of its oil exports. The proposed sanctions aim to target captains, crew members, and vessel owners to thwart the evasion of existing sanctions and decrease Russia’s financial capabilities to sustain its aggression. The meeting also set the stage for the upcoming European Council meeting and the forthcoming presidency of Cyprus in the Council of the European Union. Zhovkva emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to its European integration goals and expressed hopes for continued support from EU member states.