The European Union has imposed new sanctions on entities and individuals involved in supporting Russia's war against Ukraine. Among those targeted are Russian companies and nationals, as well as Lee Chang Ho, a high-ranking North Korean military official, accused of playing a key role in cyberattacks and the coordination of North Korean forces in the conflict.
Lee Chang Ho is believed to be a lieutenant general in the North Korean Army and head of the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB) intelligence agency. The RGB is well-known for operating hacker units engaged in cyber espionage, financial crime, and cyberwarfare.
According to the European Union, Lee Chang Ho has been instrumental in coordinating North Korean troops on the ground in Ukraine and has overseen notorious hacker units such as Lazarus and Kimsuky, which have been involved in numerous cyberattacks targeting Ukraine and other international entities. The EU specifically cited his direct responsibility in actions that “undermine the independence of Ukraine” as the basis for his sanctions.
This latest designation follows the United States' own sanctions against Lee Chang Ho, imposed in December 2024. The US targeted Lee as part of broader measures aimed at cutting off North Korea's illicit financial dealings and its support for Russian military operations. The US sanctions also targeted North Korea’s involvement in the so-called "fake IT worker scheme," which has been used to generate funds for the regime.
The Lazarus group, one of the most notorious hacker units has been linked to numerous high-profile cyberattacks. Lazarus is believed to have been behind the recent $1.5 billion heist of the Bybit cryptocurrency exchange.
The EU’s decision to sanction individuals and entities from Russia, North Korea, and China is part of an ongoing strategy to apply diplomatic and economic pressure on those supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.