EU imposes sanctions on Russian propagandists, those responsible for cyberattacks
On December 15, the European Union Council imposed restrictive measures on an additional twelve individuals and two entities in light of Russia's continued hybrid activities, including manipulation and information interference, as well as cyberattacks against the EU, its member states, and partners.
The press service of the EU Council stated this on its website, according to Ukrinform's correspondent in Brussels.
"The Council is listing today notable foreign-policy analysts embedded in institutions, think-tanks and universities closely linked to or affiliated with the Kremlin's policy and messaging apparatus, and influencers promoting pro-Russian propaganda and conspiracy theories on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as anti-Ukraine and anti-NATO narratives. Some of these are Western European former military or police officers," the press service said.
Sanctions were also imposed on the International Russophile Movement for amplifying destabilising narratives globally on behalf of the Russian government, and the 142 Separate Electronic Warfare Battalion, based in Kaliningrad, which is responsible for using technology to disorganise any system of shortwave communication, conducting electronic warfare exercises, linked to the recent cases of GPS signal failures experienced by several EU member states.
In addition, the updated sanctions list includes members of the Russian Military Intelligence Agency GRU, unit 29155, as well as of cyber threat group Cadet Blizzard.
"They took part in cyber-attacks against government organisations in Ukraine and targeted EU member states and NATO Allies to gain sensitive information and aiming to destabilise their political situation," the statement said.
In view of Russia's destabilizing activities, sanctions now apply to 59 individuals and 17 organizations.
"Those listed are subject to an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to them. Natural persons also face a travel ban that prohibits them from entering or transiting through EU territories," the press service said.
As reported, on October 8, 2024, the Council adopted a framework of restrictive measures in response to Russia's destabilizing actions. The sanctions regime targets those involved in actions and policies of the government of the Russian Federation that undermine the EU's fundamental values and those of its member states, their security, stability, independence, and integrity. The sanctions regime also targets those responsible for hybrid activities against third countries and international organizations. The current sanctions regime is in force until October 9, 2026, and is reviewed annually.
In May 2025, the EU expanded the scope of the restrictive measures framework to cover material assets linked to Russia's destabilizing activities and its sponsors, and to allow the suspension of broadcasting licenses of Russian media outlets involved in disinformation.
On July 18, 2025, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, on behalf of the EU, strongly condemned Russia's malicious activities, which are part of broader, coordinated, and sustained hybrid campaigns aimed at threatening and undermining the security, resilience, and democratic foundations of the EU, its member states, and partners. Kallas stressed that Russia's malicious activities have further intensified since the start of its war of aggression against Ukraine and are likely to continue in the near future.
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