LONDON

The EU announced Monday sanctions on 12 individuals and two entities, including Western European former military or police officers, in response to "hybrid threats" posed by Russia.

In a statement, the European Commission said it decided to adopt restrictive measures against an additional 12 individuals and two entities, "in light of Russia’s continued hybrid activities," including Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference and malicious cyber activities against the EU and its member states and partners.

"The Council is listing today notable foreign-policy analysts embedded in institutions, think-tanks and universities closely linked to or affiliated with the Kremlin’s policy and messaging apparatus," it noted, adding that some of these are Western European former military or police officers.

The council noted that it is also sanctioning the International Russophile Movement "for amplifying destabilising narratives" globally on behalf of the Russian government and the 142nd Separate Electronic Warfare Battalion.

The latest listings also include members of the Russian military intelligence service GRU's Unit 29155, as well as those of the cyber threat group Cadet Blizzard.

"They took part in cyber-attacks against government organisations in Ukraine and targeted EU member states and NATO Allies to gain sensitive information and aiming to destabilise their political situation," the statement added.

In October 2024, the European Council adopted a framework of restrictive measures in response to "Russia’s destabilising actions."