EU Sanctions Target Navalny’s Doctor and Metropolitan Tikhon Shevkunov

EU Expands Sanctions List

According to Главком: The European Union has broadened its sanctions regime by adding over 80 individuals and entities linked to the Russian Federation. Among those newly sanctioned are:

• Alexander Gutsan, Prosecutor General of Russia
• Oleg Yevtushenko, Executive Director of Rostec
• Metropolitan Tikhon Shevkunov of Simferopol and Crimea
• Former Ombudsman Pavel Astakhov
• Alexander Murakhovsky, Chief Physician of the Omsk War Veterans Hospital

Murakhovsky publicly denied the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, and his hospital refused to allow the opposition leader to be transferred to Berlin’s Charité clinic for two days. Sanctions have also been imposed on the following companies:

• Lukoil – Western Siberia
• NtechLab
• Dreamer Shipmanagement LLC-FZ, based in the United Arab Emirates
• Gazpromneft Shipping
• The Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives

Next Steps and Reactions

EU foreign ministers are set to approve the 21st sanctions package against Russia on June 15. Notably, Kaja Kallas has stated that

“Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure and UNESCO World Heritage sites constitute war crimes, and the EU will continue to increase pressure on Moscow.”

These latest sanctions reflect the EU’s ongoing policy of responding to Russia’s actions on the global stage.

This expansion underscores growing international concern over Russia’s conduct, particularly regarding its aggression in Ukraine and human rights violations. Including figures tied to the Navalny poisoning highlights the severity of the situation and the EU’s determination to maintain pressure on Moscow. Future sanctions decisions could reshape EU-Russia relations and influence domestic politics within Russia itself.

As the EU intensifies its response to Russia's actions, the upcoming sanctions package is expected to target key players in the energy sector, including companies like Lukoil and Rosneft. This move aligns with the EU's strategy to hold accountable those involved in human rights violations and aggression towards Ukraine. For more details on the implications of these measures, see our coverage of the new sanctions initiative against major energy firms.