Story perspectives

EU Sanctions 12 for Spreading Russian Disinformation

12/20/2025

Center

EU Sanctions Disinformation Spreaders

On December 15, the European Union sanctioned 12 individuals for Russian disinformation, including a former Florida sheriff and Swiss intelligence officer.
French national Xavier Moreau spread false narratives about Ukraine and participated in unrecognized referendums in Crimea.
Swiss national Jacques Baud promoted pro-Kremlin views, suggesting Ukraine orchestrated its own invasion.
John Mark Dougan, a US citizen, leads a network of fake news sites aimed at discrediting the West and Ukraine.

Left

Ukraine Bans Moscow Church

The Ukrainian government has banned the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) activities, prompting a lawsuit that allows individual parishes to operate independently.
Russian Orthodox clergymen visited U.S. lawmakers to highlight alleged suppression of religious freedom in Ukraine.
Analysts say this narrative is part of Russian disinformation efforts.
Experts note that Russia's portrayal of itself as a defender of Christianity conflicts with its actions in occupied Ukraine.

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EU Sanctions Disinformation Spreaders

On December 15, the European Union sanctioned 12 individuals for Russian disinformation, including a former Florida sheriff and Swiss intelligence officer.
French national Xavier Moreau spread false narratives about Ukraine and participated in unrecognized referendums in Crimea.
Swiss national Jacques Baud promoted pro-Kremlin views, suggesting Ukraine orchestrated its own invasion.
John Mark Dougan, a US citizen, leads a network of fake news sites aimed at discrediting the West and Ukraine.

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