Russian hybrid threats: EU sanctions twelve individuals and two entities over information manipulation and cyber attacks

The Council of the European Union has adopted restrictive measures against an additional twelve individuals and two entities, in light of Russia’s continued hybrid activities, including Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) and malicious cyber activities against the EU and its member states and partners.

The Council on 15 December listed notable foreign policy analysts embedded in institutions, think-tanks and universities closely linked to or affiliated with the Kremlin’s policy and messaging apparatus. The new measure also targets influencers promoting pro-Russian propaganda and conspiracy theories on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as anti-Ukraine and anti-NATO narratives. Some of these are Western European former military or police officers.

The Council is also sanctioning the International Russophile Movement for amplifying destabilising narratives globally on behalf of the Russian government, and the 142^nd Separate Electronic Warfare Battalion. The latter is based in Kaliningrad and is responsible for using technology to disorganise any system of shortwave communication, conducting electronic warfare exercises, linked to the recent cases of GPS signal failures experienced by several EU member states.

Lastly, the listings include members of the Russian Military Intelligence Agency GRU, unit 29155, as well as of cyber threat group Cadet Blizzard. They took part in cyber attacks against government organisations in Ukraine and targeted EU member states and NATO allies to gain sensitive information and to destabilise their political situation.

The decision applies to 59 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.

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Press release

Council Decision