The European Union has imposed sanctions on 12 individuals and 2 entities linked to Russia’s hybrid operations, citing their involvement in disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks and electronic warfare targeting the EU, its member states, and partners.
According to the European Council (EC), the measures respond to what it described as Russia’s continued use of foreign information manipulation, interference operations and malicious cyber activity aimed at destabilizing democratic institutions and critical systems across Europe.
Disinformation networks, pro-Kremlin influencers targeted
The EC said the new listings include foreign-policy analysts embedded in institutions, think tanks and universities closely linked to the Kremlin’s messaging apparatus, as well as online influencers accused of spreading pro-Russian propaganda and conspiracy theories about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Among those cited by the EC is Diana Panchenko, a Ukrainian-born media figure accused of systematically producing and disseminating anti-Ukrainian and pro-Kremlin narratives. EU officials said her content is deliberately portraying Ukrainian authorities as “Nazis,” accusing them of betraying their population and seeking to justify Russia’s military aggression.
The EC also noted that her content was broadcast on Ukrainian television during a Russian cyberattack that disrupted regular programming – highlighting the coordination between information manipulation and cyber operations.
The document notes that some of those sanctioned are former military and police officials from the US and Western Europe who are accused of amplifying Kremlin-aligned messaging and spreading disinformation related to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
One of those named is John Mark Dougan, a former deputy sheriff from Florida who fled to Russia in 2016. According to the EC, Dougan is taking part in pro-Kremlin digital information operations from Moscow, including running the so-called “CopyCop” network of fake news websites.
The sites are designed to mimic legitimate media outlets and have been used to circulate fabricated stories and AI-generated deepfake content. Western authorities and independent investigators have linked his activities to the Moscow-based think tank “Center for Geopolitical Expertise,” suggesting his work is supported and directed to influence elections, discredit political figures and manipulate public discourse in Western countries.
The EC also named Jacques Baud, a former Swiss army colonel and frequent guest on pro-Russian television and radio programs, and French national Xavier Moreau, a businessman and former military officer, accusing both of spreading conspiracy theories that portray Ukraine as responsible for its own invasion.
Electronic warfare units, GRU-linked cyber actors sanctioned
Also sanctioned was the International Russophile Movement, which has “strong ties with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, receiving endorsements for their work. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has given keynote speeches in congress meetings of the movement.”
The list further includes Russia’s 142nd Separate Electronic Warfare Battalion, based in the Kaliningrad exclave. The EC said the unit is responsible for using electronic warfare technology to disrupt shortwave communications and has been linked to recent GPS signal failures reported by several EU member states.
The sanctions package further targets members of Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, including three individuals associated with Unit 29155 and the group known as Cadet Blizzard, which “employed… malware on the compromised systems, causing significant damage to Ukraine’s systems.”
According to EC, these actors participated in cyberattacks against Ukrainian government institutions and targeted EU member states and NATO allies in efforts to obtain sensitive information and destabilize political systems.
Asset freezes, travel bans imposed
With the latest decision, EU restrictive measures related to Russia’s destabilizing activities now apply to a total of 59 individuals and 17 entities.
Those listed are subject to asset freezes, and EU citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds or economic resources available to them. Individuals also face travel bans barring entry into or transit through EU territory.
Background: sanctions framework expanded amid escalating hybrid activity
The EU first established its sanctions framework targeting Russia’s destabilizing actions in October 2024. It was later expanded to cover financial backers of hybrid operations and to allow for the suspension of broadcasting licenses of Russian media outlets involved in disinformation.
EU officials say Russia’s hybrid activities have intensified since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and are expected to continue.
The EC said the EU and its member states will continue to use the full range of available tools to prevent, deter and respond to what it described as persistent and coordinated Russian hybrid threats.
As Brussels moves to sustain sanctions pressure on Russia, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas announced on Monday that an additional 40 vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet will be added to the sanctions list, as the EU steps up efforts to curb Moscow’s ability to circumvent existing restrictions.