EU targets Russia's chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky in 21st sanctions package

In the annex to the list of natural and legal persons, entities, and bodies subject to restrictions, it is stated that Medinsky, a Russian historian, is a long-time aide to dictator Vladimir Putin.

He actively supports Russian policies threatening the territorial integrity of Ukraine and stands as a central figure in Russian government propaganda, the official explanation reads. In particular, Medinsky authored textbooks presenting Ukraine as part of the "Russian world," defended the "special military operation," and denied Russia's abduction of Ukrainian children.

He earlier headed the Russian delegation during negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Turkiye and Switzerland.

This addition brings the total number of individuals sanctioned by the EU over Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine to 2,104.

168 entities registered in Russia, the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, India, the UAE, and China were added to the new sanctions package.

On July 23, the EU approved its 21st sanctions package against Russia, earlier blocked by Greece. The new restrictions target Russian banks, the shadow fleet, cryptocurrency platforms, and extend the price cap mechanism on Russian oil for another year.

The EU will also implement measures to restrict the issuance of visas to former Russian soldiers.