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UK Imposes Sanctions on Two Georgian Television Channels Over Alleged Russian Disinformation
Foreign Office targets broadcasters accused of amplifying Kremlin narratives as London steps up measures against information warfare
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on two Georgian television channels accused of disseminating pro-Kremlin disinformation, in a move that underscores London’s intensifying efforts to counter what it describes as Russia’s information warfare beyond its borders.
The measures, announced by the Foreign Office, place asset freezes and other restrictions on the entities involved, preventing UK individuals and businesses from engaging in financial transactions with them.
Officials said the action was taken under existing sanctions frameworks designed to target those who support or facilitate destabilising activities linked to Russia.
According to the government, the sanctioned outlets were identified as part of a broader network amplifying narratives aligned with Moscow’s strategic messaging, including content related to the war in Ukraine and regional security in Eastern Europe.
British authorities argue that such activity undermines democratic institutions and public trust in partner countries.
The sanctions come amid heightened scrutiny of foreign influence operations across Europe, particularly in countries with complex political dynamics and strategic proximity to Russia.
Georgia, which has faced internal debate over its geopolitical orientation, has been a focal point of competing narratives regarding its future alignment.
UK officials stated that countering disinformation remains a priority within the government’s broader strategy to defend democratic values and support sovereign decision-making in partner states.
They added that the sanctions are intended to deter malign influence and signal that media platforms used as instruments of state-backed manipulation will face consequences.
No immediate response was issued by the sanctioned broadcasters.
The move forms part of a wider pattern of Western governments expanding sanctions beyond traditional economic sectors to address hybrid threats, including cyber activity and coordinated information campaigns.
The UK has indicated it will continue to monitor foreign information operations and take further action where necessary to protect democratic resilience at home and abroad.
The measures, announced by the Foreign Office, place asset freezes and other restrictions on the entities involved, preventing UK individuals and businesses from engaging in financial transactions with them.
Officials said the action was taken under existing sanctions frameworks designed to target those who support or facilitate destabilising activities linked to Russia.
According to the government, the sanctioned outlets were identified as part of a broader network amplifying narratives aligned with Moscow’s strategic messaging, including content related to the war in Ukraine and regional security in Eastern Europe.
British authorities argue that such activity undermines democratic institutions and public trust in partner countries.
The sanctions come amid heightened scrutiny of foreign influence operations across Europe, particularly in countries with complex political dynamics and strategic proximity to Russia.
Georgia, which has faced internal debate over its geopolitical orientation, has been a focal point of competing narratives regarding its future alignment.
UK officials stated that countering disinformation remains a priority within the government’s broader strategy to defend democratic values and support sovereign decision-making in partner states.
They added that the sanctions are intended to deter malign influence and signal that media platforms used as instruments of state-backed manipulation will face consequences.
No immediate response was issued by the sanctioned broadcasters.
The move forms part of a wider pattern of Western governments expanding sanctions beyond traditional economic sectors to address hybrid threats, including cyber activity and coordinated information campaigns.
The UK has indicated it will continue to monitor foreign information operations and take further action where necessary to protect democratic resilience at home and abroad.
