Calling them Kremlin's "disinformation and information manipulation assets" during its "assault" on Ukraine, the European Union (EU) today officially suspended the distribution of Russian state-owned news outlets Russia Today and Sputnik across the EU.
The sanctions cover all means for transmission and distribution, such as via cable, satellite, IPTV, platforms, websites and apps. All relevant licences, authorisations and distribution arrangements are suspended. These measures are covering all EU Member States and are directly applicable immediately.
"In this time of war, words matter. We are witnessing massive propaganda and disinformation over this outrageous attack on a free and independent country. We will not let Kremlin apologists pour their toxic lies justifying Putin's war or sow the seeds of division in our Union," said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The EU stated that it is necessary to suspend the broadcasting activities of Russia Today and Sputnik in or directed at the EU in view of the gravity of the situation, and "in response to Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine".
It mentioned that some of the regulators have already taken concrete actions restricting Russian assets involved in their respective territories under EU audiovisual media rules.
"Today, we are taking an important step against Putin's manipulation operation and turning off the tap for Russian state-controlled media in the EU. We have already earlier put sanctions on leadership of RT, including the editor-in-chief Simonyan, and it is only logical to also target the activities the organisations have been conducting within our Union," said EU High Representative and Vice-President Josep Borrell.
