On 18 July 2025, the Council of the European Union adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1476 as part of the 18th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation. This package targets actions that undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine. Among those added to the sanctions list are the so-called “acting rector of the V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University,” Volodymyr Kurianov, and the “First Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Crimea” Olha Burova.

Volodymyr Kurianov, who has held the position of acting rector since 22 June 2023, was sanctioned for his role in the education system on the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea. According to the decision of the EU Council, this system is being used to legitimise Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of the peninsula. Kurianov supports policies that contribute to the militarisation of education, including by organising military training for students who are then sent to the front lines as part of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. His actions aim to undermine Ukrainian history and language, posing a threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Olha Burova, who has served as the “First Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Crimea” since 15 May 2023, has also been added to the sanctions list. She actively promotes Crimea as a centre of Russian culture and history, thereby supporting Russia’s illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014. Her activities contribute to the implementation of policies that undermine Ukraine’s territorial integrity and independence.

In addition to Kurianov and Burova, the sanctions list includes nearly two dozen other individuals who are not residents of Crimea but who support the attempted annexation of the peninsula or are involved in actions that threaten Ukraine’s sovereignty.

These measures are part of the European Union’s broader strategy to increase pressure on Russia in response to its aggressive actions against Ukraine, including the occupation of Crimea and support for the war. The sanctions entered into force on 19 July 2025, following their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, and are binding on all EU Member States.

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