Russian hybrid threats: EU sanctions further six individuals over disinformation
European Union foreign minister decided on January 29 to adopt restrictive measures against an additional six individuals, in the light of Russia’s continued hybrid activities, in particular Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) against the EU and its member states and partners, a statement by the Council of the EU said.
The EU is listing television presenters Dmitry Guberniev, Ekaterina Andreeva and Maria Sittel, as well as propagandist Pavel Zarubin.
They have been working for or supporting Russian propaganda TV channels or hosting propaganda rallies and shows like “Direct Line with Vladimir Putin”, where they are spreading disinformation about the war in Ukraine and praising Putin’s regime.
The new listings further include cultural figures: actor Roman Chumakov and Ukrainian-born Russian ballet dancer Sergey Polunin who are through their work promoting pro-Russian propaganda and conspiracy theories on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as well as anti-Ukraine and anti-Western narratives.
All of those designated on January 29 actively contribute to Russia’s war against Ukraine, for instance through the raising of money for the Russian armed forces, the statement said.
With the January 29 decision, restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities now apply to a total of 65 individuals and 17 entities.
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 relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union, the statement said.
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