New EU sanctions target Russian energy revenues, military-industrial complex, propaganda, and human rights violations

The Council of the European on 15 June adopted a set of restrictive measures to combat Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. 

The package of additional listings consists of 34 individuals and 47 entities in total. 

“These measures strike at the heart of Russia’s military-industrial complex, its shadow fleet, and the networks that fuel Moscow’s hybrid attacks against Europe. In parallel, work is underway on the broader 21st sanctions package. Every measure shrinks Russia’s room for manoeuvre,” said EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.

Russia’s military-industrial complex

The EU imposed restrictive measures on seven individuals and 21 entities supporting Russia’s military and industrial complex and its enablers in third countries.

The measures target several manufacturers and suppliers of drones and other military equipment to the Russian armed forces for use in the war of aggression against Ukraine, including JSC ‘Lavochkin Research and Production Association’, founded by Russian state corporation for space activities ‘Roscosmos’, LLC Rustakt, LLC ASFPV, and LLC IONOS. 

The list also includes Shenzhen Minghuaxin and Xinxiang Richful Lubricant Additive Company, one of the largest lubricant additive manufacturers and distributors based in China. 

The EU also listed ERA Military Innovation Technopolis and the Foundation for Advanced Studies – both established by the Government of the Russian Federation to develop advanced unmanned systems for military purposes.

Russia’s shadow fleet ecosystem

The package also includes the listing of two individuals, Tahir Garayev and Konstantin Rogach, and 24 entities related to the shipment and export of crude oil or petroleum products from Russia, including through Russia’s shadow fleet, a tool designed to circumvent EU sanctions and which poses a threat to maritime safety and the environment.

These listings cover Lukoil-Western Siberia and numerous companies based in Russia, Liberia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, and Hong Kong.

Russia’s hybrid activities

New listings of 10 individuals and one entity include several prominent Russian propagandists involved in Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), like Anatoly Kuzichev, Kirill Fedorov, Roman Antonovskii and Maria Volkonskaya, the editor-in-chief of the state-controlled newspaper Krymskaya Gazeta. They are responsible for spreading disinformation aimed at justifying, promoting or legitimising Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine or disseminating hostile and manipulative narratives targeting Ukraine and aimed at dehumanising Ukrainians or distorting historical facts. 

The Council also listed Alexandra Jost, a social media influencer living in Russia, and Georgiy Shevkunov, a bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church. According to the Council, he plays an active role in spreading Russian propaganda and disinformation aimed at justifying Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine. The Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives, a foundation created by decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was also sanctioned.

Illegal annexation of Crimea

Following the annual review, the Council also decided to renew the restrictive measures introduced by the EU in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation, and to extend these measures until 23 June 2027.

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Press release