The European Union is moving to impose sanctions on a dozen individuals from the Russian Federation and three Russian media outlets in response to reporting on the war in Ukraine. EU observers report this push as part of the bloc’s ongoing effort to curb what it sees as harmful disinformation and support for Moscow’s military actions.
Among those named by sources close to the matter are Sergei Karaganov, a longtime adviser and honorary chairman of the Presidium at the Foreign and Defense Policy Council, and Semyon Pegov, a prominent military columnist associated with the WarGonzo project. Also highlighted are media outlets seen as channels for Russian state messaging, including the Oriental Review portal and the television channels RT Balkan and Tsargrad TV, which could face a ban within EU territory under the forthcoming package. These entities are cited as among the entities targeted for restricting access and financial flows, according to EU observers.
In addition, the plan reportedly includes sanctions against the Fund for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Citizens Living Abroad, a body involved in activities the EU considers supportive of Moscow’s foreign policy. Reports suggest that Artem Uss, the son of Alexander Uss who serves as the governor of Krasnoyarsk Territory, could also be placed on the blacklist, joining a broader network of individuals linked to the Russian power structure.
Earlier reports from EU observers noted that these efforts are part of what was described as the 11th package of anti-Russian measures. The package is anticipated to widen penalties for actions connected to the destruction of cultural monuments, the illicit appropriation of Ukraine’s cultural heritage, and the evacuation of children from areas of active conflict. These elements reflect a broader strategy to increase cost and risk for individuals and organizations connected to Russia’s aggression and to deter supporters abroad.
On May 9, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen traveled to Kyiv to meet with Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky. The discussions focused on strengthening the EU’s response to Russia and ensuring that existing and new restrictions are effective and harder to bypass, with a commitment to sustain pressure on Moscow while supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and stability. Through these steps, the EU aims to maintain a coherent and forceful stance that aligns with allied partners in North America and beyond, signaling that sanctions will continue to evolve in line with developments on the ground and in international diplomacy. The announced measures are presented as part of a coordinated effort to deter aggression and to protect European and allied interests in the region, according to observers familiar with the discussions and the EU’s strategic priorities.