EU Bans Four More Russian Media Outlets for Propaganda Spread

The European Union has extended its ban on four Russian media outlets in response to what it deems as the dissemination of propaganda about the invasion of Ukraine and spreading of disinformation ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. The banned broadcasters include Voice of Europe, RIA Novosti, Izvestia, and Rossiyskaya Gazeta, accused of being controlled by the Kremlin and targeting European political parties during election periods. Belgium has initiated an investigation into suspected Russian interference in the upcoming Europe-wide elections, citing intelligence reports of a network attempting to undermine support for Ukraine. The Czech government has imposed sanctions on individuals involved in a pro-Russian influence operation targeting members of the European Parliament. In the wake of the war in Ukraine, the EU has previously suspended Russia Today and Sputnik, among other outlets. The EU is also considering proposals for a Russian oil embargo, sanctions on media, banks, and “war criminals.”