Bangladesh, Dec. 16 -- The European Union has taken another significant step to tighten the economic noose around Russias war machine, approving a new round of sanctions aimed squarely at what Brussels describes as Moscows “shadow fleet” – a sprawling, opaque network of vessels, intermediaries, and trading entities that has helped Russia continue exporting crude oil despite Western restrictions. The latest measures, approved by the European Council on December 15, reflect growing frustration within the bloc over Russias ability to adapt to sanctions and sustain its war effort in Ukraine through energy revenues.

At the heart of the new sanctions package are five individuals and four companies accused of enabling or manag...