Russian hybrid threats: four individuals added to EU sanctions list for information manipulation activities

The Council of the European Union has decided to adopt restrictive measures against an additional four individuals responsible for Russia’s continued hybrid activities, in particular Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) against the EU and its member states and partners.

On 16 March, the Council listed Russian propagandist Sergey Klyuchenkov, who has played an active role in spreading Russian propaganda and disinformation aimed at justifying Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. In his TV and radio shows he has repeatedly called for further violence in Ukraine, including against civilians. In addition, he has called for the de-Ukrainisation of occupied territories, the occupation of Baltic states and suggested retaliatory strikes against countries which support Ukraine, including the US, Türkiye, Germany, France, and the UK.

The new listings also include the Lithuanian-born Russian news anchor Ernest Mackevičius who, as host of the evening news programme on Russian state television, has regularly spread false narratives about Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Ukraine itself and its armed forces.

Lastly, the Council is also imposing restrictive measures on propagandist Graham Phillips, and media figure Adrien Bocquet, of British and French origin respectively.

Graham Phillips has played an active role in justifying Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine through disinformation and propaganda, regularly filming content in Russian-occupied areas, including interviews with captured British fighters, and writing propaganda articles about Russia’s occupied territories of Ukraine. 

Adrien Bocquet has repeatedly positioned himself as an amplifier of Kremlin propaganda in Europe and in Russia through appearances at symbolic conflict sites, interviews with Russian television, publications on his X account and contributions to Kremlin-funded outlets.

“Through their activities the designated individuals are responsible for supporting the actions and policies of the Russian government, which undermine democracy, the rule of law, stability, and security in the European Union and Ukraine,” the Council said in a press release.

With today’s decision, restrictive measures in view of Russia’s destabilising activities now apply to a total of 69 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