The European Union is poised to introduce its first-ever sanctions against Russia for disinformation and hybrid activities, marking a significant shift in its strategy to counter Kremlin-backed destabilisation efforts. According to Bloomberg, the proposed sanctions will target over a dozen individuals and three entities, including Russian intelligence officers and media executives, who are allegedly involved in orchestrating global disinformation campaigns.
Scope of the Sanctions
The measures are part of a broader sanctions framework approved earlier this year, specifically designed to address disinformation and other destabilising activities sponsored by Russia. By targeting those responsible for these operations, the EU aims to curb the Kremlin’s influence campaigns and highlight the importance of countering hybrid threats.
In addition to sanctions on Russia, the EU is also set to impose restrictions on approximately 20 Belarusian individuals accused of human rights violations or benefiting from close ties to President Alexander Lukashenko’s regime. These actions reflect the EU’s continued commitment to addressing governance and human rights concerns in Belarus, particularly in the lead-up to its upcoming elections.
The 15th Sanctions Package
These measures come alongside the EU’s recently approved 15th sanctions package against Russia, which focuses on limiting its ability to circumvent existing restrictions. The package includes penalties on Russia’s “shadow fleet”—a group of over 45 ageing tankers allegedly used to evade oil export controls—and several Chinese companies accused of assisting Russia in developing military drones.
EU foreign ministers are expected to formally approve the new sanctions during a meeting in Brussels on Dec. 16. However, the measures still require unanimous support from all 27 member states, and adjustments to the proposals may occur before final adoption.
A Broader Effort Against Russian Aggression
The inclusion of disinformation and hybrid activities in the EU’s sanctions framework represents an evolution in its response to Russian aggression. These efforts aim to safeguard democratic societies from external manipulation and highlight the EU’s focus on combating unconventional threats alongside its more traditional sanctions targeting energy, finance, and defence sectors.
Belarus in Focus
The sanctions on Belarus align with the EU’s ongoing strategy to pressure the Lukashenko regime over its human rights record and close alliance with Moscow. By targeting key individuals within the regime, the EU seeks to hold accountable those enabling governance abuses and benefiting from the status quo.
Implications
These measures reflect the EU’s overarching geopolitical approach to addressing Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine and its worldwide influence operations. Pending formal approval, the sanctions emphasise the bloc’s dedication to safeguarding democratic principles and tackling emerging hybrid threats. The coming weeks will be pivotal in evaluating the effectiveness of these actions and their implications for the shifting global political landscape.
