EU Plans First Sanctions Against Russia for Disinformation

The European Union is preparing to implement its first-ever sanctions targeting Russia for disinformation and hybrid activities, which will affect over a dozen individuals and three organizations, including Russian intelligence officers and media executives. This initiative is part of a broader sanctions framework aimed at countering destabilizing operations sponsored by Russia globally. Additionally, the EU plans to impose sanctions on around 20 Belarusian individuals linked to human rights violations or benefiting from President Alexander Lukashenko's regime. The new measures, which build on the recently approved 15th sanctions package against Russia, are expected to be formally approved by EU foreign ministers on December 16. This decision reflects the EU's commitment to addressing both disinformation and human rights issues, particularly in light of upcoming elections in Belarus. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on the Kremlin in response to these developments.