Name: Westerners sanctioned by EU for spreading Russian propaganda
Uploaded: 2025-12-18T17:29:16.911Z
Duration: 1 min 59 s
Description: One American and two Europeans have gained legitimacy spreading propaganda off the back of their former careers in Western police forces, military or intelligence.

One American and two Europeans have gained legitimacy spreading propaganda off the back of their former careers in Western police forces, military or intelligence.

The European Union has sanctioned twelve individuals for participating in pro-Kremlin foreign manipulation and interference operations. Among those sanctioned are three Western nationals with close ties to Moscow, accused of spreading pro-Russian disinformation through various media channels.

The sanctioned individuals include John Mark Dugan, Xavier Moreau, and Jacques Bourg, who have been identified as key figures in disseminating propaganda via fake news outlets and commentary. The EU aims to use these sanctions to encourage behavioral change, with the possibility for individuals to appeal and regular reviews of the measures.

Westerners sanctioned by EU for spreading Russian propaganda

Who are the Russian propagandists sanctioned by the EU? How can you clamp down on propagandists? Well, according to the European Union, with sanctions. On the 15th of December, 12 people were handed sanctions for participating in pro-Kremlin foreign manipulation and interference operations. Three of them are Westerners with close ties to Moscow, who participate in pro-Russian disinformation campaigns. John Mark Dugan, an American who acquired dual Russian nationality. A former deputy sheriff from Florida, he has been pushing the copycat network of sham news websites. This operation mimics legitimate European and American news organisations through fake outlets, inserting propaganda narratives into videos and articles which are often produced with the help of AI. Xavier Moreau, a French citizen with Russian nationality. The former military officer spreads pro-Kremlin propaganda through his blog. He also appears as a commentator in Russian and fringe French media. Jacques Bourg, a former Swiss intelligence officer, turned propagandist and also a media commentator. We spoke to Hervé Le Touque from Check First, a company which tracks disinformation about their profiles. The goal of sanctions is to incite listed individuals to change their behaviour. While they can appeal against sanctions, these are also regularly reviewed, often on a six-month basis. you

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