EU Sanctions Over 80 Individuals and Entities Amidst Russia-Ukraine Conflict

On June 15, 2026, the European Union imposed sanctions on over 80 individuals and entities in response to Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Among those targeted was Georgiy Shevkunov, also known as Metropolitan Tikhon, a senior bishop in the Russian Orthodox Church. The EU cited his role in spreading Russian propaganda and disinformation aimed at justifying the invasion of Ukraine.

Shevkunov is often referred to in Russian media as President Vladimir Putin’s personal priest and confessor, although he has neither confirmed nor denied this claim. In 2023, he assumed the position of Metropolitan of Crimea, a region annexed by Russia in 2014.

In February of the previous year, Russia’s FSB security service reported arresting two individuals accused of plotting, allegedly under Ukrainian orders, to assassinate the bishop. He was among 34 individuals and 47 entities that EU countries added to their sanctions list.

“We approved another batch of sanctions to put more pressure on Russia to end the war,” stated the EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas. “These measures strike at the heart of Russia’s military-industrial complex, its shadow fleet, and the networks that fuel Moscow’s hybrid attacks against Europe.”

The sanctions aim to impact individuals and organizations involved in producing and supplying drones and other military equipment to Russian forces. Alleged propagandists, including social media influencer Alexandra Jost, and groups enabling Russia’s war efforts via oil shipments were also sanctioned.

Among those targeted are 15 individuals, including judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement officials, allegedly connected to the poisoning of the opposition figure Alexei Navalny. The sanctions entail asset freezes, travel bans, and a prohibition on providing funds to those blacklisted.

“Every measure shrinks Russia’s room for maneuver,” Kallas added.

These sanctions followed a reported Russian missile barrage that struck several major Ukrainian cities, resulting in at least 11 casualties and a fire at a significant Orthodox monastery. In reaction, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged increased pressure on Moscow from G7 leaders, who were gathering in France for a summit.

The conflict, ongoing since Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, remains Europe’s most severe since World War II, with extensive civilian and military casualties.