Official Gazette Notification Text
Official TranscriptOfficial Journal EN of the European Union L series 2026/1709 13.7.2026 COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2026/1709 of 13 July 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the High...
Official Journal EN of the European Union L series 2026/1709 13.7.2026 COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2026/1709 of 13 July 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
Whereas:
(1) On 27 May 2024, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484(1).
(2) On 15 September 2025, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, who was appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council, published a report entitled ‘Situation of human rights in the Russian Federation’. The report underlined that the Russian authorities were continuing to use new technologies to restrict freedom of expression, access to information and freedom of association.
(3) On 16 March 2026, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the European Union to the United Nations and other international organisations in Geneva delivered a statement on behalf of the Union in the framework of the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The statement condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia’s continuing violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law in Ukraine, such as summary executions of prisoners of war and civilian detainees, arbitrary detention, systematic and widespread use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment, including rape and other conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence.
(4) The Union remains unwavering in its condemnation of the human rights violations and repressions in Russia.
(5) In view of the gravity of the situation, the Council considers that 11 natural persons and 5 entities should be added to the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies set out in the Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484.
(6) Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484 should therefore be amended accordingly,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
Article 1 The Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484 is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Decision.
(1) Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484 of 27 May 2024 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia (OJ L, 2024/1484, 27.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2024/1484/oj).
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj 1/25EN OJ L, 13.7.2026 Article 2 This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Done at Brussels, 13 July 2026.
For the Council The President K. KALLAS 2/25 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/ojANNEX The Annex to Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484 is amended as follows:
(1) the following entries are added under the heading ‘A. Natural persons’:
Name Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing ‘88. Elena Gennadyevna BAGUDINA Position: General Director of Communication Elena Bagudina is the General Director of Communication Platform LLC, which is 13.7.2026 Platform LLC a subsidiary of VK (previously known as VKontakte) and the developer and (Russian: Елена Геннадьевна manager of state-supported mobile phone application Max. In her position as БАГУДИНА) DOB: 11.3.1954 General Director, she is responsible for the development and management of the
Nationality: Russian Max application. The development of the Max application was supervised by the Federal Security Service (FSB), which established the requirements that the
Gender: female developers of the Max application had to meet. The Max application must be pre-installed on all mobile phones and tablets sold in Russia and is integrated with the Gosuslugi service.
According to numerous experts, the Max application has extensive surveillance features and can monitor communications, including the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), gather data on other applications installed on phones, monitor address books, identify the location of users and install autonomous updates. The introduction and promotion of the Max application by the Russian state have been accompanied by a crackdown on and blocking of other independent applications, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, as well as by a campaign to limit the use of VPNs, which allowed users to access content blocked in Russia.
Information gathered by Russian authorities through the Max application served as a basis to fine a Russian citizen for content posted on the application.
Therefore, Elena Bagudina provides technical support for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, including by assisting and facilitating such acts.
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj 3/25 OJ L,
13.7.2026 ENName Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing
89. Dmitry Valerianovich GACHKO Position: General Director and ultimate owner Dmitry Gachko is the General Director and ultimate owner of the limited liability 13.7.2026 of VAS Experts company VAS Experts, which manufactures, develops and sells hardware and (Russian: Дмитрий Валерьянович software related to the so-called System of Operative Investigative Measures ГАЧКО) DOB: 16.8.1976
(SORM). In his position as General Director and ultimate owner, he is responsible
Nationality: Russian for VAS Experts’ activities relating to the manufacture and supply of SORM-related hardware and software.
Gender: male SORM is a surveillance system used since the mid-1990s to control internet and mobile communications in Russia, namely the monitoring of phone calls, emails, internet use, text messages and social networks. Mobile phones and internet providers are legally required to install SORM. It is installed in all Russian data centres and at all internet exchange points and within major search engines. User traffic is copied to a separate server or to a data centre available to the Federal Security Service (FSB).
SORM gathers information about users’ physical location, activity patterns, time of device use, users’ behaviour and the use of different SIM cards in one or more devices. It can be used retroactively and without the provider’s knowledge.
SORM has been used to target journalists, opposition figures, minority groups and ordinary citizens. It has also been used to prosecute supporters of the Russian opposition, leaders such as Alexei Navalny, organisers of protests, individuals who ran internet accounts critical of the Russian authorities or produced reports on the political situations and activists who opposed the war of aggression against Ukraine. SORM has also been used to pre-emptively detain individuals suspected of anti-government activities. SORM has had a profound impact on the ability of Russian citizens to access unbiased information about the war of aggression against Ukraine. It was also used to block traffic from, and access to, thousands of Western websites and services.
4/25
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj EN OJ L,
13.7.2026Name Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing VAS Experts is involved in the development, supply and maintenance of SORM, including hardware and software integrated into telecoms networks, therefore allowing intelligence agencies to directly access all traffic. VAS Experts is a key supplier of SORM that complies with interception requirements mandated by the FSB and supports the operation of Russia’s communications surveillance infrastructure. VAS Experts operates within a framework established and supervised by the Russian authorities. These authorities approve technical requirements for SORM deployment, require operators to coordinate implementation plans, oversee compliance and use the equipment for direct interception activities. Consequently, VAS Experts develops and supplies equipment specifically designed to satisfy surveillance requirements established by the FSB.
Therefore, Dmitry Gachko provides material support for serious violations and abuses of human rights and for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition.
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj 5/25 OJ L,
13.7.2026 ENName Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing
90. Sergey Anatolevich Position: Executive Director and ultimate owner Sergey Ovchinnikov is the Executive Director and ultimate owner of Closed 13.7.2026 OVCHINNIKOV of Closed Joint-Stock Company “Norsi-Trans” Joint-Stock Company “Norsi-Trans”, which manufactures, develops and sells hardware and software related to the so-called System of Operative Investigative (Russian: Сергей Анатольевич DOB: 5.5.1955 Measures (SORM). In his position as Executive Director and ultimate owner, he is ОВЧИННИКОВ)
Nationality: Russian responsible for Norsi-Trans’ activities relating to the manufacture and supply of SORM-related hardware and software.
Gender: male SORM is a surveillance system used since the mid-1990s to control internet and mobile communications in Russia, namely the monitoring of phone calls, emails, internet use, text messages and social networks. Mobile phone and internet providers are legally required to install SORM. It is installed in all Russian data centres and at all internet exchange points and within major search engines. User traffic is copied to a separate server or to a data centre available to the Federal Security Service (FSB).
SORM gathers information about users’ physical location, activity patterns, time of device use, users’ behaviour and the use of different SIM cards in one or more devices. It can be used retroactively and without the provider’s knowledge.
SORM has been used to target journalists, opposition figures, minority groups and ordinary citizens. It has also been used to prosecute supporters of the Russian opposition, leaders such as Alexei Navalny, organisers of protests, individuals who ran internet accounts critical of the Russian authorities or produced reports on the political situations and activists who opposed the war of aggression against Ukraine. SORM has also been used to pre-emptively detain individuals suspected of anti-government activities. SORM has had a profound impact on Russians’ ability to access unbiased information about the war of aggression against Ukraine. It was used to block traffic from, and access to, thousands of Western websites and services.
6/25
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj EN OJ L,
13.7.2026Name Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing Norsi-Trans is involved in the development, supply and maintenance of SORM, including hardware and software integrated into telecoms networks, therefore allowing intelligence agencies to directly access all traffic. SORM includes monitoring equipment installed in facilities of telecommunications providers.
Such monitoring equipment provides information to the Russian government’s intelligence agency, including on phone calls, text messages, emails and internet traffic. SORM also facilitates access to communications data associated with messaging application, metadata, mobile numbers, phone identifiers, geolocation, names, email addresses and IP addresses.
Norsi-Trans is a key supplier of SORM that complies with interception requirements mandated by the FSB and supports the operation of Russia’s communications surveillance infrastructure. Norsi-Trans operates within a framework established and supervised by the Russian authorities. These authorities approve technical requirements for SORM deployment, require operators to coordinate implementation plans, oversee compliance and use the equipment for direct interception activities. Consequently, Norsi-Trans develops and supplies equipment specifically designed to satisfy surveillance requirements established by the FSB.
Therefore, Sergey Ovchinnikov provides material support for serious violations and abuses of human rights and for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition.
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj 7/25 OJ L,
13.7.2026 ENName Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing
91. Mikhail Mikhailovich FOMIN Position: Executive Director of LLC Citadel Mikhail Fomin is the Executive Director of LLC Citadel. 13.7.2026 (Russian: Михаил Михайлович DOB: 22.3.1981 LLC Citadel operates in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod and develops, implements ФОМИН) and provides support for software and hardware of the so-called System of
Nationality: Russian Operative Investigative Measures (SORM). LLC Citadel is the largest manufacturer
Gender: male and reportedly the most important supplier of SORM hardware and software in Russia. In his position as Executive Director, Mikhail Fomin is responsible for LLC Citadel’s activities relating to the manufacture and supply of SORM-related hardware and software.
SORM is a surveillance system used since the mid-1990s to control internet and mobile communications in Russia, namely the monitoring of phone calls, emails, internet use, text messages and social networks. Mobile phone and internet providers are legally required to install SORM. It is installed in all Russian data centres and at all internet exchange points and within major search engines. The user traffic is copied to a separate server or to a data centre available to the Federal Security Service (FSB).
SORM gathers information about users’ physical location, activity patterns, time of device use, users’ behaviour and the use of different SIM cards in one or more devices. It can be used retroactively and without the provider’s knowledge.
SORM has been used to target journalists, opposition figures, minority groups and ordinary citizens. It has also been used to prosecute supporters of the Russian opposition, leaders such as Alexei Navalny, organisers of protests, individuals who ran internet accounts critical of the Russian authorities or produced reports on the political situations and activists who opposed the war of aggression against Ukraine. SORM has also been used to pre-emptively detain individuals suspected of anti-government activities. SORM has had a profound impact on the ability of Russian citizens to access unbiased information about the war of aggression against Ukraine. It was also used to block traffic from, and access to, thousands of Western websites and services.
8/25
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj EN OJ L,
13.7.2026Name Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing LLC Citadel is involved in the development, supply and maintenance of SORM, including hardware and software integrated into telecoms networks, therefore allowing intelligence agencies to directly access all traffic. SORM includes monitoring equipment installed in facilities of telecommunications providers.
Such monitoring equipment provides information to the Russian government’s intelligence agency, including on phone calls, text messages, emails and internet traffic. SORM also facilitates access to communications data associated with messaging application, metadata, mobile numbers, phone identifiers, geolocation, names and email addresses and IP addresses.
LLC Citadel is a key supplier of SORM that complies with interception requirements mandated by the FSB and supports the operation of Russia’s communications surveillance infrastructure. LLC Citadel operates within a framework established and supervised by the Russian authorities. These authorities approve technical requirements for SORM deployment, require operators to coordinate implementation plans, oversee compliance and use the equipment for direct interception activities. Consequently, LLC Citadel develops and supplies equipment specifically designed to satisfy surveillance requirements established by the FSB.
Therefore, Mikhail Fomin provides material support for serious violations and abuses of human rights and for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition.
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj 9/25 OJ L,
13.7.2026 ENName Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing
92. Alexander Vladimirovich Position: Head of Penal Colony No 10 (since Alexander Gnutov is the Head of Penal Colony No 10, which is located in the 13.7.2026 GNUTOV 2024) village of Udarny in the Zubovo-Polyansky District of the Republic of Mordovia.
In that position, he directly oversees and is responsible for actions carried out in (Russian: Александр Former Deputy Head of Penal Colony No 10 the Penal Colony No 10, and has failed to ensure the protection of detainees’ Владимирович ГНУТОВ) (from 2022 to 2024) rights and safety and the maintenance of law and order. Alexander Gnutov
DOB: 9.8.1980 therefore bears responsibility for the abuse of prisoners committed by the staff of Penal Colony 10.
Nationality: Russian Hundreds of Ukrainian prisoners of war as well as Ukrainian civilians captured in
Gender: male the occupied Ukrainian territories have been held in Penal Colony No 10. Former detainees report inhuman and degrading treatment and torture, including electric
Passport number: 6100202615 shocks, beating, stress positions causing trophic ulcers, sexual violence, mock executions and the denial of medical care. Civilians are subjected to the same treatment as prisoners of war and are held without trial or status. Human rights defenders have reported about inhuman conditions and torture in Penal Colony No 10 since 2012, including towards Russian prisoners.
Therefore, Alexander Gnutov is responsible for serious violations or abuses of human rights, including torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
10/25
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj EN OJ L,
13.7.2026Name Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing
93. Alexei Vladimirovich Position: Deputy Head of Penal Colony No 10 Alexei Anashkin is the Deputy Head of Penal Colony No 10, which is located in 13.7.2026 ANASHKIN the village of Udarny in the Zubovo-Polyansky District of the Republic of
DOB: 9.6.1978 Mordovia. In that position, he directly oversees and is responsible for actions (Russian: Алексей Владимирович
Nationality: Russian carried out in Penal Colony No 10, and has failed to ensure the protection of АНАШКИН) detainees’ rights and safety and the maintenance of law and order. Alexei
Gender: male Anashkin therefore bears responsibility for the abuse of prisoners committed by the staff of Penal Colony No 10.
Passport number: 8902524698 Hundreds of Ukrainian prisoners of war as well as Ukrainian civilians captured in the occupied Ukrainian territories have been held in the Penal Colony No 10.
Former detainees report inhuman and degrading treatment and torture, including electric shocks, beating, stress positions causing trophic ulcers, sexual violence, mock executions and the denial of medical care. Civilians are subjected to the same treatment as prisoners of war and are held without trial or status. Human rights defenders have reported about inhuman conditions and torture in this facility since 2012, including towards Russian prisoners.
Therefore, Alexei Anashkin is responsible for serious violations or abuses of human rights, including torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj 11/25 OJ L,
13.7.2026 ENName Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing
94. Egor Viktorovich AVERKIN Position: Deputy Head of Penal Colony No 10 Egor Averkin is the Deputy Head of Penal Colony No 10, which is located in the 13.7.2026 village of Udarny in the Zubovo-Polyansky District of the Republic of Mordovia.
(Russian: Егор Викторович DOB: 8.10.1992 In that position, he directly oversees and is responsible for actions carried out in АВЕРКИН)
Nationality: Russian Penal Colony No 10, and has failed to ensure the protection of detainees’ rights and safety and the maintenance of law and order. Egor Averkin therefore bears
Gender: male responsibility for the abuse of prisoners committed by the staff of Penal Colony No 10.
Passport number: 8912267789 Hundreds of Ukrainian prisoners of war as well as Ukrainian civilians captured in the occupied Ukrainian territories have been held in Penal Colony No 10. Former detainees report inhuman and degrading treatment and torture, including electric shocks, beating, stress positions causing trophic ulcers, sexual violence, mock executions and the denial of medical care. Civilians are subjected to the same treatment as prisoners of war and are held without trial or status. Human rights defenders have reported about inhuman conditions and torture in this facility since 2012, including towards Russian prisoners.
Therefore, Egor Averkin is responsible for serious violations or abuses of human rights, including torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
12/25
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj EN OJ L,
13.7.2026Name Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing
95. Alexander Anatolevich Position: Deputy Head of Penal Colony No 10 Alexander Grishanin is the Deputy Head of Penal Colony No 10, which is located 13.7.2026 GRISHANIN in the village of Udarny in the Zubovo-Polyansky District of the Republic of
DOB: 6.10.1991 Mordovia. In that position, he directly oversees and is responsible for actions (Russian: Александр
Nationality: Russian carried out in Penal Colony No 10, and has failed to ensure the protection of Анатольевич ГРИШАНИН) detainees’ rights and safety and the maintenance of law and order. Alexander
Gender: male Grishanin therefore bears responsibility for the abuse of prisoners committed by the staff of Penal Colony No 10.
Passport number: 8911222216 Hundreds of Ukrainian prisoners of war as well as Ukrainian civilians captured in the occupied Ukrainian territories have been held in Penal Colony No 10. Former detainees report inhuman and degrading treatment and torture, including electric shocks, beating, stress positions causing trophic ulcers, sexual violence, mock executions and the denial of medical care. Civilians are subjected to the same treatment as prisoners of war and are held without trial or status. Human rights defenders have reported about inhuman conditions and torture in this facility since 2012, including towards Russian prisoners.
Therefore, Alexander Grishanin is responsible for serious violations or abuses of human rights, including torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj 13/25 OJ L,
13.7.2026 ENName Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing
96. Semyon Viktorovich Position: Deputy Head of Penal Colony No 10 Semyon Kuznetsov is the Deputy Head of Penal Colony No 10, which is located in 13.7.2026 KUZNETSOV the village of Udarny in the Zubovo-Polyansky District of the Republic of
DOB: 18.11.1982 Mordovia. In that position, he directly oversees and is responsible for actions (Russian: Семен Викторович
Nationality: Russian carried out in Penal Colony No 10, and has failed to ensure the protection of КУЗНЕЦОВ) detainees’ rights and safety and the maintenance of law and order. Semyon
Gender: male Kuznetsov therefore bears responsibility for the abuse of prisoners committed by the staff of Penal Colony No 10.
Passport number: 79271857062 Hundreds of Ukrainian prisoners of war as well as Ukrainian civilians captured in the occupied Ukrainian territories have been held in Penal Colony No 10. Former detainees report inhuman and degrading treatment and torture, including electric shocks, beating, stress positions causing trophic ulcers, sexual violence, mock executions and the denial of medical care. Civilians are subjected to the same treatment as prisoners of war and are held without trial or status. Human rights defenders have reported about inhuman conditions and torture in this facility since 2012, including towards Russian prisoners.
Therefore, Semyon Kuznetsov is responsible for serious violations or abuses of human rights, including torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
14/25
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj EN OJ L,
13.7.2026Name Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing
97. Ivan Vasilyevich VESHKIN Position: Deputy Head of Penal Colony No 10 Ivan Veshkin is the Deputy Head of Penal Colony No 10, which is located in the 13.7.2026 village of Udarny in the Zubovo-Polyansky District of the Republic of Mordovia.
(Russian: Иван Васильевич DOB: 22.12.1991 In that position, he directly oversees and is responsible for actions carried out in ВЕШКИН)
Nationality: Russian Penal Colony No 10, and has failed to ensure the protection of detainees’ rights and safety and the maintenance of law and order. Ivan Veshkin therefore bears
Gender: male responsibility for the abuse of prisoners committed by the staff of Penal Colony No 10.
Passport number: 8903739994 Hundreds of Ukrainian prisoners of war as well as Ukrainian civilians captured in the occupied Ukrainian territories have been held in the Penal Colony No 10.
Former detainees report inhuman and degrading treatment and torture, including electric shocks, beating, stress positions causing trophic ulcers, sexual violence, mock executions and the denial of medical care. Civilians are subjected to the same treatment as prisoners of war and are held without trial or status. Human rights defenders have reported about inhuman conditions and torture in this facility since 2012, including towards Russian prisoners.
Therefore, Ivan Veshkin is responsible for violations or abuses of human rights, including torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj 15/25 OJ L,
13.7.2026 ENName Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing
98. Galina Vasilievna Position: Head of Medical Unit No 13, Penal Galina Mokshanova is the Head of Medical Unit No 13 of Penal Colony No 10, 13.7.2026’.
MOKSHANOVA Colony No 10 which is located in the village of Udarny in the Zubovo-Polyansky District of the Republic of Mordovia. In that position, she plans, directs, orders and facilitates (Russian: Галина Васильевна DOB: 16.1.1966 activities carried out in medical services of Penal Colony No 10. Galina МОКШАНОВА)
Nationality: Russian Mokshanova therefore bears responsibility for the abuse of prisoners committed by the staff of Penal Colony No 10.
Gender: female Hundreds of Ukrainian prisoners of war as well as Ukrainian civilians captured in
Passport number: 8910200628 the occupied Ukrainian territories have been held in the Penal Colony No 10.
Former detainees report inhuman and degrading treatment and torture, including electric shocks, beating, stress positions causing trophic ulcers, sexual violence, mock executions and the denial of medical care. Civilians are subjected to the same treatment as prisoners of war and are held without trial or status. Human rights defenders have reported about inhuman conditions and torture in this facility since 2012, including towards Russian prisoners.
Therefore, Galina Mokshanova is responsible for serious violations or abuses of human rights, including torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
16/25
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj EN OJ L,
13.7.2026(2) the following entries are added under the heading ‘B. Legal persons, entities and bodies’:
Name Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing ‘3. VK (previously known as Mail. Address: Moscow, 125167, Leningradsky VK is one of the main technological companies in Russia. It provides email and 13.7.2026 ru group, VK Company Limited) prospekt 39, bld. 79 chat services and runs applications and the social media website VKontakte.
(Russian: VK) Vk.com VK is the parent company of Communication Platform LLC, the developer and manager of state-supported mobile phone application Max. The development of Vk.company the Max application was supervised by the Federal Security Service (FSB), which INN (Russian tax ID): 3900015862 established requirements that the developers of the Max application had to meet.
The Max application must be pre-installed on all mobile phones and tablets sold TIN (TIN): 3900015862 in Russia and is integrated with the Gosuslugi service.
OGRN (Trade register number): According to numerous experts, the Max application has extensive surveillance 1233900010585 features and can monitor communications, including the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), gather data on other applications installed on phones, monitor address books, identify the location of users and install autonomous updates. The introduction and promotion of the Max application by the Russian state have been accompanied by a crackdown on and blocking of other independent applications, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, as well as by a campaign to limit the use of VPNs, which allowed users to access content blocked in Russia.
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj 17/25 OJ L,
13.7.2026 ENName Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing Information gathered by Russian authorities through the Max application served as a basis to fine a Russian citizen for content posted on the application.
The Max application has benefitted from government-imposed blocks on access to Western and independent competitors, such as Instagram, Facebook, Telegram and WhatsApp, enabling it to increase its revenue and market share.
VK has cooperated with Russian authorities in their repressive actions, including by providing them with data concerning users of its services who posted content criticising Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, or other content banned by the authorities.
VK has also participated in the government-ordered ban on the use of VPNs, through which Russian internet users could previously access independent content on the internet.
Therefore, VK provides technical support for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, including by assisting and facilitating such acts.
18/25
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http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj EN OJ L,
13.7.2026Name Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing
4. Communication Platform LLC Address: PR-KT LENINGRADSKII D. 39, STR. Communication Platform LLC is a subsidiary company of VK (previously known 13.7.2026 79, 125167 MOSCOW, Russian Federation as VKontakte) and is the developer and manager of state-supported mobile phone (Russian: Акционерное application Max. The development of the Max application was supervised by the Общество Инвестиционная www.complatform.ru Federal Security Service (FSB), which established the requirements that the Компания Коммуникационная mail@complatform.ru developers of the Max application had to meet. The Max application must be Платформа) pre-installed on all mobile phones and tablets sold in Russia and is integrated with INN (Russian tax ID): 9714058267 the Gosuslugi service.
TIN (TIN): 9714058267 According to numerous experts, the Max application has extensive surveillance features and can monitor communications, including the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), gather data on other applications installed on phones, monitor the address books, identify the location of the users and install autonomous updates. The introduction and promotion of the Max application by the Russian state have been accompanied by a crackdown on and blocking of other independent applications, such as WhatsApp and Telegram, as well as by a campaign to limit the use of VPNs, which allowed users to access content blocked in Russia.
Information gathered by Russian authorities through the Max application served as a basis to fine a Russian citizen for content posted on the application.
Therefore, Communication Platform LLC provides technical support for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition, including by assisting and facilitating such acts.
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj 19/25 OJ L,
13.7.2026 ENName Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing
5. VAS Experts Address: Saint Petersburg, Avenue Liteyny 26, VAS Experts manufactures, develops, and sells hardware and software related to 13.7.2026 building a, office 5-13 the so-called System of Operative Investigative Measures (SORM).
(Russian: Общество с ограниченной ответственностью OGRN: 1137847014337 SORM is a surveillance system used since the mid-1990s to control internet and Вас Экспертс) mobile communications in Russia, namely the monitoring of phone calls, emails, INN (Russian tax ID) 7841476577 internet use, text messages and social networks. Mobile phone and internet providers are legally required to install SORM. It is installed in all Russian data centres and at all internet exchange points and within major search engines. User traffic is copied to a separate server or to a data centre available to the Federal Security Service (FSB).
SORM gathers information about users’ physical location, activity patterns, time of device use, users’ behaviour and the use of different SIM cards in one or more devices. It can be used retroactively and without the provider’s knowledge.
SORM has been used to target journalists, opposition figures, minority groups and ordinary citizens. It has also been used to prosecute supporters of the Russian opposition, leaders such as Alexei Navalny, organisers of protests, individuals who ran internet accounts critical of the Russian authorities or produced reports on the political situations and activists who opposed the war of aggression against Ukraine. SORM has also been used to pre-emptively detain individuals suspected of anti-government activities. SORM has had a profound impact on the ability of Russian citizens to access unbiased information about the war of aggression against Ukraine. It was also used to block traffic from, and access to, thousands of Western websites and services.
20/25
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj EN OJ L,
13.7.2026Name Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing VAS Experts is involved in the development, supply and maintenance of SORM, including hardware and software integrated into telecoms networks, therefore allowing intelligence agencies to directly access all traffic.
VAS Experts is a key supplier of SORM that complies with interception requirements mandated by the FSB and supports the operation of Russia’s communications surveillance infrastructure.
VAS Experts operates within a framework established and supervised by the Russian authorities. These authorities approve technical requirements for SORM deployment, require operators to coordinate implementation plans, oversee compliance and use the equipment for direct interception activities. Consequently, VAS Experts develops and supplies equipment specifically designed to satisfy surveillance requirements established by the FSB.
Therefore, VAS Experts provides material support for serious violations and abuses of human rights and for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition.
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj 21/25 OJ L,
13.7.2026 ENName Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing
6. Norsi-Trans Address: 127015 Moscow, Bolshaya Closed Joint-Stock Company “Norsi-Trans” manufactures, develops, and sells 13.7.2026 Novodmitrovskaya Street 12, building 15, hardware and software related to the so-called System of Operative Investigative a.k.a. Closed Joint-Stock floor 2, room 36) Measures (SORM).
Company “Norsi-Trans”
Date of registration: 16.1.2003 SORM is a surveillance system used since the mid-1990s to control internet and (Russian: Закрытое Акционерное mobile communications in Russia, namely the monitoring of phone calls, emails, Общество “Норси-Транс”) OGRN: 1037700030477 internet use, text messages and social networks. Mobile phone and internet INN (Russian tax ID): 7705051215 providers are legally required to install SORM. It is installed in all Russian data centres and at all internet exchange points and within major search engines. User traffic is copied to a separate server or to a data centre available to the Federal Security Service (FSB).
SORM gathers information about users’ physical location, activity patterns, time of device use, users’ behaviour and the use of different SIM cards in one or more devices. It can be used retroactively and without the provider’s knowledge.
SORM has been used to target journalists, opposition figures, minority groups and ordinary citizens. It has also been used to prosecute supporters of the Russian opposition, leaders such as Alexei Navalny, organisers of protests, individuals who ran internet accounts critical of the Russian authorities or produced reports on the political situations and activists who opposed the war of aggression against Ukraine. It was also used to pre-emptively detain individuals suspected of anti-government activities. SORM has had a profound impact on Russians’ ability to access unbiased information about the war of aggression against Ukraine. It was also used to block traffic from, and access to, thousands of Western websites and services.
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ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj EN OJ L,
13.7.2026Name Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing Norsi-Trans is involved in the development, supply and maintenance of SORM, including hardware and software that is integrated into telecoms networks, therefore allowing intelligence agencies to directly access all traffic. SORM includes monitoring equipment installed in facilities of telecommunications providers. Such monitoring equipment provides information to the Russian government’s intelligence agency, including on phone calls, text messages, emails and internet traffic. SORM also facilitates access to communications data associated with messaging application, metadata, mobile numbers, phone identifiers, geolocation, names, email addresses and IP addresses.
Norsi-Trans is a key supplier of SORM that complies with interception requirements mandated by the FSB and supports the operation of Russia’s communications surveillance infrastructure.
Norsi-Trans operates within a framework established and supervised by the Russian authorities. These authorities approve technical requirements for SORM deployment, require operators to coordinate implementation plans, oversee compliance and use the equipment for direct interception activities. Consequently, Norsi-Trans develops and supplies equipment specifically designed to satisfy surveillance requirements established by the FSB.
Therefore, Norsi-Trans provides material support for serious violations and abuses of human rights and for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition.
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj 23/25 OJ L,
13.7.2026 ENName Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing
7. LLC Citadel Address: 127015 Moscow, Intra-city municipal LLC Citadel operates in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod and develops, implements 13.7.2026’. territory municipal district Butyrsky, and provides support for software and hardware of the so-called System of (Russian: Общество с Novodmitrovskaya Street 2B Operative Investigative Measures (SORM). LLC Citadel is the largest manufacturer ограниченной ответственностью and reportedly the most important supplier of SORM hardware and software in “Цитадель”) OGRN: 1157746895690 Russia.
INN(Russian tax ID): 9701012339 SORM is a surveillance system used since the mid-1990s to control internet and
Address: 603098, Nizhny Novgorod, pr. mobile communications in Russia, namely the monitoring of phone calls, emails, Gagarina, 50 (Korpus 9), BTS “Chiornaya internet use, text messages and social networks. Mobile phone and internet Zhemchuzhina” providers are legally required to install SORM. It is installed in all Russian data centres and at all internet exchange points and within major search engines. The
OGRN: 1055238018098 user traffic is copied to a separate server or to a data centre available to the Federal Security Service (FSB). SORM gathers information about users’ physical location, INN (Russian tax ID): 5260146265 activity patterns, time of device use, users’ behaviour and the use of different SIM cards in one or more devices. It can be used retroactively and without the provider’s knowledge.
SORM has been used to target journalists, opposition figures, minority groups and ordinary citizens. It has also been used to prosecute supporters of the Russian opposition, leaders such as Alexei Navalny, organisers of protests, individuals who ran internet accounts critical of the Russian authorities or produced reports on the political situations and activists who opposed the war of aggression against Ukraine. SORM has also been used to pre-emptively detain individuals suspected of anti-government activities. It has had a profound impact on Russians’ ability to access unbiased information about the war of aggression against Ukraine and was used to block traffic from, and access to, thousands of Western websites and services.
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ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj EN OJ L,
13.7.2026Name Identifying information Statement of Reasons Date of listing LLC Citadel is involved in the development, supply and maintenance of SORM, including hardware and software integrated into telecoms networks, therefore allowing intelligence agencies to directly access all traffic. SORM includes monitoring equipment installed in facilities of telecommunications providers.
Such monitoring equipment provides information to the Russian government’s intelligence agency, including on phone calls, text messages, emails and internet traffic. SORM also facilitates access to communications data associated with messaging application, metadata, mobile numbers, phone identifiers, geolocation, names, email addresses and IP addresses.
LLC Citadel is a key supplier of SORM that complies with interception requirements mandated by the FSB and supports the operation of Russia’s communications surveillance infrastructure.
LLC Citadel operates within a framework established and supervised by the Russian authorities. The authorities approve technical requirements for SORM deployment, require operators to coordinate implementation plans, oversee compliance and use the equipment for direct interception activities. Consequently, LLC Citadel develops and supplies equipment specifically designed to satisfy surveillance requirements.
Therefore, LLC Citadel provides material support for serious violations and abuses of human rights and for the repression of civil society and democratic opposition.
ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj 25/25 OJ L,
13.7.2026 EN