EU Sanctions on Russia Amid Ukraine Conflict

The European Union has imposed sanctions on over 80 individuals and entities due to Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Among those targeted is a senior bishop in the Russian Orthodox Church, Georgiy Shevkunov, who is often described in Russian media as President Vladimir Putin’s ‘personal priest’ and ‘confessor.’ The EU accuses Shevkunov of disseminating Russian propaganda and disinformation to justify the invasion of Ukraine.

Shevkunov, also known as Metropolitan Tikhon, was appointed Metropolitan of Crimea in 2023, an area of Ukraine annexed by Russia in 2014. In February last year, Russia’s security service, the FSB, announced it had thwarted a Ukrainian-ordered plot against Shevkunov, leading to the arrest of two individuals.

The sanctions list added 34 individuals and 47 entities involved in Russia’s military-industrial complex and other networks supporting Moscow’s efforts in the hybrid warfare against Europe. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, stated these measures aim at undermining Russia’s war economy, costing the nation over $1 trillion.

Included in the sanctions are firms tied to the supply of drones and military equipment to Russian forces, people involved in oil shipment funding Russia’s war efforts, and personnel allegedly linked to the poisoning incident involving opposition figure Alexei Navalny.

The sanctions involve asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on financial transactions with the listed individuals or entities. Kallas emphasized that these steps reduce Russia’s options.

The announcement coincided with Russia launching a missile attack on several major Ukrainian cities, resulting in 11 deaths and a fire at a key Orthodox monastery. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged G7 leaders for increased pressure on Russia as they gathered for a summit in France, which also focused on the U.S.-Iranian deal to end the war.

The conflict in Ukraine, since Russia’s February 2022 invasion, has become Europe’s most severe since World War II, with significant civilian and military casualties.