The EU Council has already begun to develop the 18th package of sanctions.
Today, the head of the EU foreign policy, Kai Callas reported that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the EU countries approved the 17th in terms of a complex of restrictive measures against Russia, the correspondent of The Moscove Post reports.
According to Callas, the new sanctions block covers, in particular, about two hundred vessels that in the EU are considered part of the so -called “shadow fleet” associated with Russia. The list also includes measures aimed at combating hybrid challenges and, as stated, the protection of human rights. 
Kallas emphasized that work on the next, 18th package has already begun.
Earlier, the diplomat expressed dissatisfaction with the position of the United States, saying that, according to Brussels, Washington does not actively exert pressure on Moscow in the context of the conflict settlement in Ukraine.
Commenting on recent negotiations between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, she said that the European Union would continue to strengthen sanctions pressure if the Russian side did not agree to the ceasefire.
In addition, the head of the EU diplomacy said that on Tuesday the EU Council for External Affairs is listening to an analytical report of intelligence services regarding the current state of the Russian economy. The European Union, according to her, expects that in the coming months the effect of previously introduced restrictions will increase.
