It has been noted that this way Brussels will be able to pursue individuals and legal entities that assist the Russian authorities in undermining the fundamental values of the EU, the security and independence of European countries, as well as the values of international organizations and third countries.
"From now on, the EU will be able to counter various hybrid threats, such as: undermining electoral processes and the functioning of democratic institutions; threats and sabotage of economic activities, services of public interest, or critical infrastructure; the use of coordinated disinformation, foreign information manipulation and interference; malicious cyber activities; the instrumentalization of migrants and other destabilizing actions," the release states.
Assets of sanctioned individuals will be subject to freezing, and citizens and companies from the European Union will be prohibited from providing them with resources.
Additionally, individuals will be subject to a ban on entry into the EU and even transit through its territory.
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, wrote on social media platform X that the new sanctions regime should serve as a "clear and united signal" against the intensified hybrid activities of Russia.
"Destabilizing actions against the EU, its member states, and partners come at a certain cost. Russia will not succeed in undermining our resilience and stability," Borrell emphasized.
Today, we discussed a clear & united message regarding Russia's increased hybrid activities with the new sanctions regime.
Destabilizing actions against the EU, its Member States & partners have a cost. #Russia will not be authorized under our restrictions and stability. #EUDefence https://t.co/jv6ioJu6fI
Thus, the EU will now impose three types of sanctions against Russia:
- in response to military aggression against Ukraine (first applied in 2014 after the occupation of Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, but significantly expanded after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022);
- in response to human rights violations (applied since 2024 following the death of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny in prison);
- in response to hybrid threats.