The European Union Council has published details of extensive personal sanctions introduced in response to Russia’s active destabilization activities in the realm of hybrid warfare and psychological pressure against EU member countries and their partners
This followed a lengthy analysis and coordinated measures aimed at countering the spread of Russian propaganda, cyberattacks, and other forms of destructive activity undermining regional stability and security. According to the official statement from the EU Council press service dated May 20, the sanctions list includes 21 individuals and six legal entities involved in Russia’s destabilization activities outside the country. Personal restrictions include asset freezes and travel bans to the EU for those actively contributing to or directly involved in Russia’s campaign of manipulating public opinion, propaganda, and possible internal security purges. Additionally, the EU has the right to apply similar restrictions to assets associated with Russia’s destabilization efforts, such as ships, aircraft, real estate objects, communication equipment, financial institutions, and companies handling cryptocurrencies that may be used to support Kremlin’s internal or external operations. As part of these new measures, the EU announced the possibility of restrictions on the broadcasting of Russian media outlets controlled by the Russian authorities that systematically disseminate disinformation aimed at destabilizing neighboring countries and the Union itself. Specifically, this involves temporary suspension of broadcasting licenses for such companies within EU countries, although this does not prohibit other activities, such as interviews or other forms of direct broadcasting. Among those listed in the new sanctions are known pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk and his associates Artem Marchevskyi and Oleg Voloshyn. They are accused of promoting pro-Russian propaganda and spreading disinformation aimed against Ukraine and EU countries. It is noteworthy that Medvedchuk and Marchevskyi had already been subject to European restrictions since May 2024, but the specific details of the new sanctions against them have not yet been publicly disclosed. In addition, the list includes several other individuals suspected of involvement in efforts to undermine democracy in Estonia and Germany. This includes, for example, Alyk Khuchbarov, Ilya Bocharov — operatives of the GRU’s covert operations reconnaissance group, as well as German blogger Thomas Riepore and Russian influencer Alina Lipp. The list also features the Turkish company AFA Medya and its founder Gusein Dogru, activist Elena Kolbasnikova, Yulia Prokhorova, Rostislav Tеньuk, and Andriy Kharkovsky. Some of these persons, previously mentioned in journalistic investigations, are accused by official bodies of spreading pro-Russian narratives and executing tasks to destabilize the situation in the Baltic countries and Central Europe. A significant portion of the sanctions list comprises representatives of civil, media, and informational structures that consistently disseminate pro-Russian content across the African continent. Among them are Viktor Lugovchenko and the company African Initiative, which specializes in crafting pro-Russian messages for audiences in Africa. Also sanctioned are leaders of the media group International Africa Media, Justen Blez Tagu, and journalist Mikhail Prudnikov, known for systematic propaganda and spreading anti-Western narratives. Included in this list is Sylvain Afua, founder of the Black African Defense League, whose activities were suspended in 2021 due to incitement to hatred and violence. Regarding legal entities, the package includes hosting service Stark Industries, headed by Yuriy Nekuliti and his brother Ivan Nekuliti, who are alleged to have supported Russian destabilization operations. Also listed are fishing companies Norebo JSC and Murman Sea Food, suspected of involvement in espionage and sabotage activities against the EU, particularly concerning underwater communication cables. Significant attention is also given to military-technical facilities — namely, the Main Radio Frequency Center and its head, Ruslan Nesterenko. He is considered responsible for large-scale GPS signal jamming over the Baltic countries, creating serious risks for civil aviation and evacuation operations in the region. In total, these restrictions involve asset freezes, travel bans, and transit prohibitions across EU countries, and for European citizens and companies, a ban on any financial transactions involving the listed individuals and entities. These measures are part of a comprehensive system of sanctions, including the 17th package of sanctions against Russia for its aggression towards Ukraine, and specific restrictions related to the use of chemical weapons. In conclusion, the European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to actively counter Russia’s destabilization policies by enhancing sanctions mechanisms and specifically targeting disinformation and cyber-espionage influences aimed at destabilizing the region and undermining European security.