The EU has sanctioned the International Russophile Movement, whose chairman is Nikolai Malinov. The sanctions include an asset freeze and a ban on entry to the EU countries.
The EU's motives are that the International Russophile Movement spreads manipulation and destabilizing messages on behalf of the Russian government.
The movement maintains close ties with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from which it receives support for its work.
The European Council recalls that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has delivered speeches during the movement's congresses. It is also linked to the Kremlin's top ideologue Alexander Dugin, as well as media oligarch Konstantin Malofeev.
The government of the Russian Federation uses the movement as a front to manipulate public opinion in other countries, promote anti-Western sentiment and maintain other Kremlin strongholds, the sanctions say.
Malinov has been chairman of the International Russophile Movement since its establishment in 2023. He is a former MP from the Coalition for Bulgaria, known for his outspoken position. In Bulgaria, he is accused of espionage in favor of Russia. He has also been sanctioned by the US under the “Magnitsky“ law on suspicion of corruption and influence in favor of Russian interests.