EU extends sanctions on former Swiss colonel Jacques Baud over pro-Russian propaganda

The European Union has prolonged sanctions on Jacques Baud, a 71-year-old former Swiss colonel residing in Brussels, extending asset freezes and travel restrictions. Authorities say he spreads propaganda supportive of Russia and promotes conspiracy theories, allegations he denies, insisting his analyses rely on Ukrainian and American sources and that he has never been paid by Russia. Baud, who served in Swiss intelligence and later worked for the UN, has challenged his inclusion on the sanctions list before the EU Court.

The measures have severely limited his access to bank accounts, including his pension, and have constrained his ability to travel out of Belgium, with only temporary humanitarian exemptions granted. He continues to attract a large online audience through YouTube and other media platforms despite the restrictions.