**EU to Impose First Sanctions on Russia for Disinformation**
The European Union is preparing to impose its first sanctions on Russia. The measures target individuals and entities involved in disinformation and hybrid activities, including Russian intelligence officers and media entrepreneurs.
The EU plans to sanction over a dozen individuals and three entities. This includes people who work for the Kremlin and those who help spread false information around the world. The goal is to stop operations that can cause harm globally.
**Belarus Sanctions Also Planned**
In addition, the EU will impose sanctions on about two dozen Belarusian individuals. They are accused of human rights violations or working with President Alexander Lukashenko‘s government.
**Previous Sanctions Already in Place**
This move comes after the EU approved a 15th package of sanctions against Russia. The previous measures targeted “shadow fleets” of old tankers used to bypass oil export restrictions. They also applied to people and companies that help Russia’s military and technology advancements by evading export controls.
**European Commission President Speaks Out**
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the move, saying it shows the EU is committed to putting pressure on the Kremlin.
**Ukraine Update**
In Ukraine, over 2,000 soldiers have been hospitalized with chemical poisoning since Russia’s invasion. Three Ukrainian servicemen have died. Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram announced that Norway will continue training Ukrainian F-16 pilots in Portugal.
Russia has lost a lot of troops since the start of its full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. The General Staff of Ukraine‘s Armed Forces reported that Russia has lost 761,160 troops.