The European Union has agreed a new sanctions regime against Russia that will allow the bloc to impose restrictions on those deemed to be involved in destabilizing the bloc through disinformation and electoral interference.
It has also sanctioned over 1,000 individuals considered close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, including oligarchs such as Roman Abramovich, the former owner of the English football club Chelsea.
The new framework, agreed on Tuesday, allows the EU to target Russia-linked entities and individuals who “undermine the EU’s values, security, and the integrity of its member states,” the European Council said in statement.
That includes those involved in spreading coordinated disinformation, sabotaging critical EU infrastructure and instrumentalizing migration, it added.
“These malicious activities are part of a broad coordinated hybrid campaign directed by Russia as an attempt to divide our society, destabilize and weaken the EU and its member states and our resilience as well as to undermine our support to Ukraine and its ability to defend itself,” the council said.
Those designated under the new framework will face an asset freeze, and EU citizens and companies will be barred from offering them any financial assistance.Thanks to the new rules, the EU can sanction people and entities from Russia responsible for hybrid threats, such as:
— EU Council (@EUCouncil) October 8, 2024
➡️ undermining electoral processes
➡️ sabotaging critical infrastructure
➡️ disinformation
➡️ malicious cyber activities
➡️ instrumentalising migrants
More ⤵️
They will also face a travel ban, preventing them from entering or passing through EU territory.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, said: “Today, we send a clear and united message against Russia’s increased hybrid activities with a new sanctions regime.
“Destabilizing actions towards the EU, its Member States and partners have a cost. Russia will not succeed in undermining our resilience and stability.”
Today, we send a clear & united message against Russia's increased hybrid activities with a new sanctions regime.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) October 8, 2024
Destabilising actions towards the EU, its Member States & partners have a cost.#Russia will not succeed in undermining our resilience and stability.#EUDefence https://t.co/jv6ioJu6fI
