EU Calls For Sanctions On Russian State TV Host, Famed Ballet Dancer

"European Union officials have called for sanctioning some of Russia's most prominent TV personalities, including Pavel Zarubin, a state TV reporter known for fawning reporting on -- and nearly unfettered access to -- President Vladimir Putin.The proposed measures, which were obtained by RFE/RL, include five other prominent Russians including Yekaterina Andreeva, another prominent TV host, as well as Sergei Polunin, a renowned ballet dancer who previously was the former principal at the Royal Ballet in London."

"The measures are expected to be taken up by the full European Council, the EU's executive body, as early as January 29 when foreign ministers from the bloc's 27 members meet. Passage is not certain; a handful of EU members including Hungary and Slovakia have resisted some efforts in the past.Since Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has steadily expanded its list of targets it has hit with asset freezes or visa bans."

"Zarubin, who could not be immediately reached for comment, is a longtime TV reporter with Channel One, Russia's largest state-owned TV network. The EU measure calls him "a prominent Russian propagandist."Zarubin hosts a regular TV show called "Moscow. Kremlin. Putin," where his coverage of the Russian leader is frequently wide-eyed and obsequious."

European Union officials proposed sanctioning several high-profile Russians, including state TV reporter Pavel Zarubin, TV host Yekaterina Andreeva, and dancer Sergei Polunin. The measures would be considered by the full European Council when foreign ministers meet, though some member states such as Hungary and Slovakia have previously resisted similar steps. The actions are part of an expanded EU sanctions framework that now targets over 2,500 individuals, companies, and entities with roughly 28 billion euros frozen. These proposed measures are framed under a broader rubric addressing "Russia's destabilizing activities" rather than solely the Ukraine war. Zarubin is described as a prominent propagandist with close access to Vladimir Putin.

Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty