EU strengthens sanctions against Russia on shadow fleet and propagandists
The Council of the European Union on 15 December approved another extension of sanctions against Russia. The restrictive measures affected five individuals and four companies involved in supporting the so-called shadow fleet of the Russian Federation, which ensures the export of Russian oil bypassing international sanctions.
The list includes businessmen associated with state oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil. According to the EU, they control tankers carrying oil and oil products from Russia, concealing their origin and using risky shipping schemes. Shipping companies from the UAE, Vietnam and Russia that operate such tankers have also been sanctioned.
A separate package of sanctions was imposed by the European Union due to hybrid threats. Restrictions were imposed on 12 people and two organisations associated with information manipulation, pro-Russian propaganda and cyberattacks. Among them are analysts and public figures affiliated with Kremlin politics, as well as the International Russophile Movement.
In addition, the sanctions include the 142nd separate electronic warfare battalion of the Russian army in Kaliningrad, GRU unit 29155 and the Cadet Blizzard cyber group, which Western intelligence services associate with destabilising the situation in Europe and attacking government institutions.
The assets of the sanctioned persons are frozen, and EU citizens and companies are prohibited from providing them with financial resources. Individuals are also banned from entering the EU. In total, the EU sanctions regime already covers more than 2,600 individuals and legal entities in response to Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
