The European Union has imposed sanctions on Russian pop singer Shaman, whose real name is Yaroslav Dronov, for actively promoting Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These measures include freezing his assets and imposing a travel ban.
According to the EU, Shaman has participated in Kremlin-organized concerts, including events commemorating Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. He has also performed in regions illegally occupied by Russia. Additionally, Shaman has been involved in entertainment events for the Russian Armed Forces, further aligning himself with pro-war activities, as detailed in the EU’s sanctions listing.
Shaman is among 69 individuals and 47 entities newly added to the EU’s sanctions list targeting violators of Ukrainian territorial integrity and independence. This brings the total number of individuals and entities sanctioned by the EU in relation to Russia’s actions regarding Ukraine to over 2,200.
In a related move, Russian pop singer Polina Gagarina has also been sanctioned for deriving significant revenue from state-sponsored events celebrating the annexation of Crimea and other Ukrainian regions under Russian control. Actor Ivan Okhlobystin faces sanctions for participating in state-sponsored propaganda events and providing support to Russian troops and separatist forces in Ukraine.
The EU sanctions extend beyond cultural figures to include officials, organizations, and entities linked to actions such as the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. These measures reinforce the EU’s stance against Russia’s actions in Ukraine, targeting individuals involved in military, propaganda, and enforcement activities detrimental to Ukrainian sovereignty.
Recently, EU member states approved their 14th sanctions package, which includes measures targeting Russia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) transshipments and efforts to circumvent EU sanctions on crude oil through illicit maritime practices. These actions underscore the EU’s commitment to bolstering its sanctions regime against Russia in response to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
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