In Belgium, the European Union's Committee on Foreign Affairs and its Subcommittee on Security and Defence discussed topics such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the "shadow fleet" of Russian ships.

The meeting, chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, brought together foreign and defense ministers from EU member states to strengthen support for Ukraine and enhance Europe's defense capabilities.

During the meeting, the foreign ministers of the member states held a video conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to reaffirm their support for Ukraine.

The European Union Council issued a press release stating that it had officially adopted the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, including sanctions targeting 189 ships in the "shadow fleet" that Russia uses to circumvent Western sanctions, a ban on docking in EU ports, and the suspension of related maritime services. This is the largest package of sanctions ever imposed on the "shadow fleet." Currently, EU sanctions apply to 342 Russian ships.

In addition, the EU also added Surgut Oil & Gas Company, a major Russian oil and gas company, and a Russian oil transport company to the sanctions list in this round of sanctions, further restricting Russia's oil and gas revenues. Furthermore, the EU imposed sanctions on a number of entities and individuals, including asset freezes and travel bans.

CMG