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The European Union announced Tuesday a new round of sanctions targeting 12 individuals and two entities involved in Russian hybrid operations, marking an escalation in Brussels’ efforts to counter Moscow’s information warfare and cyber activities.
The latest measures target those responsible for disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, and electronic warfare activities directed against EU member states and their partners, according to a statement from the European Council.
“These sanctions respond to Russia’s continued use of foreign information manipulation, interference operations and malicious cyber activity aimed at destabilizing democratic institutions and critical systems across Europe,” the Council said.
Among those sanctioned is Diana Panchenko, a Ukrainian-born media figure accused of systematically producing and disseminating anti-Ukrainian and pro-Kremlin narratives. EU officials noted her content deliberately portrays Ukrainian authorities as “Nazis” while attempting to justify Russia’s military aggression. The Council highlighted that her content was broadcast on Ukrainian television during a Russian cyberattack that disrupted regular programming, demonstrating coordination between information manipulation and cyber operations.
The sanctions list includes several Western nationals who have aligned themselves with Moscow’s information operations. John Mark Dougan, a former deputy sheriff from Florida who fled to Russia in 2016, was cited for operating the “CopyCop” network of fake news websites designed to mimic legitimate media outlets. These sites reportedly circulate fabricated stories and AI-generated deepfake content, with Western investigators linking his activities to Moscow’s “Center for Geopolitical Expertise.”
Jacques Baud, a former Swiss army colonel, and Xavier Moreau, a French businessman and former military officer, were also named for spreading conspiracy theories that portray Ukraine as responsible for its own invasion. Both frequently appear on pro-Russian television and radio programs.
On the organizational front, the International Russophile Movement was sanctioned for its “strong ties with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” with the Council noting that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has delivered keynote speeches at the movement’s congress meetings.
Military targets include Russia’s 142nd Separate Electronic Warfare Battalion, based in Kaliningrad. The unit stands accused of disrupting shortwave communications and causing recent GPS signal failures reported by several EU member states. The sanctions package also targets members of Russia’s military intelligence agency (GRU), including three individuals associated with Unit 29155 and a group known as Cadet Blizzard, which has deployed malware against Ukrainian government systems.
“These actors participated in cyberattacks against Ukrainian government institutions and targeted EU member states and NATO allies in efforts to obtain sensitive information and destabilize political systems,” the Council stated.
The new designations bring the total number of individuals and entities subject to EU restrictive measures related to Russia’s destabilizing activities to 59 and 17, respectively. Those listed face asset freezes within the EU, while EU citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds or economic resources available to them. Individuals on the list are also subject to travel bans preventing entry into or transit through EU territory.
The EU’s sanctions framework targeting Russia’s destabilizing actions was first established in October 2024 and has since been expanded to cover financial backers of hybrid operations. It also allows for the suspension of broadcasting licenses for Russian media outlets involved in disinformation campaigns.
European officials have noted an intensification of Russian hybrid activities since the start of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and they expect such operations to continue. The Council emphasized that “the EU and its member states will continue to use the full range of available tools to prevent, deter and respond to persistent and coordinated Russian hybrid threats.”
In a related development, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced Monday that an additional 40 vessels linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” will be added to sanctions lists as Brussels steps up efforts to curb Moscow’s ability to circumvent existing restrictions on oil exports and other sanctioned goods.
The latest measures reflect the EU’s growing concerns about Russia’s multifaceted approach to undermining Western democratic institutions and its continued efforts to justify and support its war in Ukraine through information manipulation.
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7 Comments
It’s good to see the EU taking a firm stance against Russian information manipulation. Disinformation can have serious consequences, so these sanctions send an important message.
Absolutely. Deterring these activities is essential to uphold democratic values and the rule of law.
This is a significant step by the EU to counter Russian disinformation and cyber operations. Targeting key individuals involved in spreading pro-Kremlin narratives is an important part of the response.
The coordination between information warfare and cyberattacks is concerning. The EU is right to impose sanctions on those responsible for destabilizing democratic institutions and critical infrastructure.
I agree. Addressing the hybrid nature of these threats is crucial to protect European security and sovereignty.
This is a complex issue, but the EU’s response seems appropriate. Targeting the key actors behind these hybrid threats is a prudent move.
The sanctioning of individuals like Diana Panchenko, who spread pro-Kremlin narratives, is a necessary step. Countering Russian influence operations is critical for Europe’s stability.