'Information manipulation': EU sanctions Russian companies

The Council of the European Union has introduced sanctions against seven Russian individuals and five entities involved in spreading lies about Russian aggression against Ukraine.

That's according to the Council of the EU, Ukrinform reports.

The individuals and entities are responsible for conducting a digital information manipulation campaign called "RRN" (Recent Reliable News), aimed at distorting information and disseminating propaganda in support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

"We are targeting those carrying out information manipulation and interference as part of a broader hybrid campaign by Russia against the EU and the member states. With these new listings we are sending a strong signal that we know how they manipulate our information space and how they operate. We are strong in our resolve to prevent, deter and respond effectively with new instruments to these threats," said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.

In particular, the Council imposed restrictive measures on Inforos and three of its founders. Inforos is an online outlet which is closely linked to the Russian military intelligence (GRU), and is responsible for setting up more than 270 media proxy online outlets that disseminate propaganda in support of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

Other listings concern: ANO Dialog, a Russian non-profit organization created by the Moscow Department of Information and Technology and closely linked to the presidential administration, the Institute of the Russian Diaspora, and Social Design Agency and Structura National Technologies, two Russian IT companies involved in the Russian-led digital disinformation campaign "RRN" (Recent Reliable News), and prominent representatives of the above-mentioned entities.

EU restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine now apply to about 1,800 individuals and entities altogether.

The European Council also reiterated that the EU remained committed to maintaining and increasing collective pressure on Russia, including through possible further restrictive measures. In addition, The European Council also stated that the EU would intensify its work with partners to counter false Russian narratives and disinformation about the war.

Last week, a number of countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the EU, Australia and New Zealand, imposed new sanctions on Russia.