Russian hybrid threats: EU sanctions six individuals over information manipulation activities

On 30 January, the Council of the European Union decided to adopt restrictive measures against an additional six individuals in light of Russia’s continued hybrid activities, in particular Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) against the EU and its member states and partners.

The Council listed television presenters Dmitry Guberniev, Ekaterina Andreeva, and Maria Sittel, and propagandist Pavel Zarubin. According to the Council, 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 actor Roman Chumakov and Ukrainian-born Russian ballet dancer Sergey Polunin, who have been promoting pro-Russian propaganda and conspiracy theories on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and anti-Ukraine and anti-Western narratives. 

“All of those designated today actively contribute to Russia’s war against Ukraine, for instance through the raising of money for the Russian armed forces,” the Council said in a press release.

The 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 framework of restrictive measures in response to Russia’s destabilising actions was adopted by the Council on 8 October 2024. The sanctions regime targets those engaged in actions and policies by the government of the Russian Federation, which undermine the fundamental values of the EU and its member states, their security, stability, independence and integrity. The sanctions regime also targets those responsible for Russia’s hybrid activities against third countries and international organisations.

Find out more

Press release