The European Union on Tuesday imposed sanctions on 28 Russian officials, including judges, prosecutors and investigators, over human rights violations and the repression of democratic opposition, particularly in cases linked to the late Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
The measures, published in the EU’s Official Journal, amend a previous decision from May 2024 and include asset freezes and travel bans. The decision – Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/957 – said the individuals targeted played a role in undermining the rule of law and silencing dissent in Russia.
“The European Union condemns the continuing deterioration of human rights in Russia, including politically motivated trials, harsh sentences and the systematic targeting of civil society,” the EU Council said in a statement.
Among the sanctioned officials is Judge Olesya Mendeleyeva, who sentenced opposition politician Alexei Gorinov to seven years in prison for criticising a children’s drawing competition during Russia’s war in Ukraine. Judge Olga Balandina was listed for sentencing activist Igor Baryshnikov to 7.5 years for social media posts critical of Russia’s military campaign.
Prosecutors Svetlana Zhuravlova and Andrei Katkov were also sanctioned. Zhuravlova opposed defence motions in Gorinov’s trial, while Katkov pushed for maximum sentences against Navalny’s lawyers on charges of “extremist activities”. Judge Natalia Borisenkova, who sentenced four journalists to 5.5 years over their links to Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation, was also included.
The EU said the sanctions were a response to violations of freedom of expression, fair trial rights, and arbitrary detention.
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia aligned with the EU decision, committing to implement the restrictive measures. Serbia and Kosovo did not join the move. Serbia, in particular, has maintained low alignment with EU foreign policy, citing close ties with Moscow.
The decision takes effect immediately.