**EU Takes Toughest Stance Yet on Russia’s Disinformation Campaigns**
In a bold move to counter Russian aggression, the European Union has slapped sanctions on nine individuals and six entities linked to Moscow for their involvement in spreading disinformation and destabilizing Ukraine. The EU’s Council announced this development on July 15, emphasizing that these measures are aimed at protecting the continent from the threat of hybrid warfare.
**State-Controlled Media in the Crosshairs**
Among those targeted is the state-owned Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network (RTRS), which the EU accuses of using its broadcasting systems to suppress dissent and undermine Ukraine’s governance. The network allegedly replaces Ukrainian programming with pro-Russian content in occupied territories, further marginalizing the local population.
**GPS Signal Interference and Disinformation**
Two high-ranking officials from the 841st Separate Electronic Warfare Center in Kaliningrad have also been sanctioned for their role in GPS signal interference across several European countries, particularly affecting the Baltic states and civil aviation. Additionally, three organizations – the BRICS Journalists Association (BJA), the Foundation to Battle Injustice (R-FBI), and the Center for Geopolitical Expertise (CGE) – have been listed as disinformation platforms. These entities are accused of spreading false narratives in Europe, including a fabricated campaign accusing French soldiers of kidnapping children in Niger.
**Russian Propaganda on the Rise**
The EU has also taken aim at individuals involved in spreading pro-Russian propaganda. Yevgeny Shevchenko and his company, Tigerweb, have been sanctioned for their role in promoting Russian disinformation in Western countries. Furthermore, a GRU officer and various Kremlin-linked propagandists have been targeted.
**A Global Threat**
These sanctions come as Russia’s hybrid operations intensify across the European Union. The Dutch military intelligence agency MIVD has warned of an uptick in such activities against the Netherlands and its allies. This latest move by the EU serves as a clear warning to Russia that its disinformation campaigns will not be tolerated.
**A Turning Point for the EU?**
The recent sanctions bring the total number of individuals and entities targeted under the EU’s Russia hybrid threats framework to 47 and 15, respectively. These measures include asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on making funds or economic resources available to those listed. Whether this marks a turning point in the EU’s response to Russian aggression remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the bloc has finally taken concrete steps to combat disinformation and protect its citizens.
**Commentary**
“The EU’s move to sanction individuals and entities involved in spreading disinformation and destabilizing Ukraine is long overdue,” says Anna Fratsyvir, a news editor at the Kyiv Independent. “This sends a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated, and we can expect more robust measures from the EU in the future.”
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Read More @ kyivindependent.com
