On the third anniversary of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the European Union has adopted its 16th package of sanctions against russia. Eight more Russian media outlets were added to the list and their licences in the European Union were suspended.
The following media outlets were sanctioned:
- EADaily / Eurasia Daily
- Fondsk
- Lenta
- NewsFront
- RuBaltic
- SouthFront
- Strategic Culture Foundation
- Krasnaya Zvezda / Tvzvezda
These media channels operate under the direct control of russian authorities and have played a key role in promoting and supporting russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine. Additionally, they have been instrumental in destabilising neighboring countries, as well as the EU and its Member States.
As a result, the European Council has decided to revoke their licenses and prohibit them from distributing content within the EU. However, in accordance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the imposed measures will not prevent these media outlets or their employees from conducting other activities within the EU, such as research or interviews, as long as they do not involve content distribution.
“There is no doubt about who the aggressor is, who should pay and be held accountable for this war. Every sanction package deprives the Kremlin of funds to wage war. With talks underway to end Russia’s aggression, we must put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. Sanctions provide leverage”, commented Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The latest sanctions package also includes restrictive measures targeting key sectors of the Russian economy, such as the shadow fleet, financial and banking sectors, trade, transport, and the export of goods and technologies.
Additionally, 83 new individuals and entities have been added to the EU’s individual sanctions list — 48 individuals and 35 entities responsible for actions threatening or undermining the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.
