European Union ministers failed to clinch a ban on maritime services to Russia and have delayed adoption of the bloc’s 20th sanctions package. Opposition to the move was led by Hungary.

Negotiators remain split over proposals that would have curtailed insurance, classification and shipmanagement services to Russian operators — measures Brussels argued would choke Moscow’s ability to sustain maritime trade and military logistics. Some member states voiced concerns about unintended disruption to global trade lanes, the impact on European shipping companies and legal exposure for firms operating in complex third‑country markets.

The delay means a broader, politically sensitive package now awaits further legal and technical scrutiny. Officials said work will continue through the EU’s rotating presidencies, but no firm implementation timetable was set.

Europe’s plans to scrap the crude oil price cap and replace it with a full ban on maritime services linked to Russian crude exports was seen by analysts as the moment Russia would have become almost completely reliant on the dark fleet.

A double positive for Russian exports comes from Washington, where the US Supreme Court’s decision that Donald Trump’s tariffs are invalid has been viewed by tanker analysts as a chance for India to resume large-scale imports of crude from Moscow. 

A trade pact earlier in the month between the US and India saw New Delhi cut its Russian crude purchases in favour of US, and potentially Venezeulan, supplies, something now potentially in tatters following the court ruling.