The European Union (EU) this week imposed fresh sanctions on two broadcast television outlets backed by the Russian government.

The Arabic-language versions of RT (formerly Russia Today) and Sputnik have been added to a list of media outlets sanctioned by the EU following the start of a military conflict against Ukraine that was provoked by the Russian government one year ago.

Sanctions have already been imposed on other RT and Sputnik channels, including versions that broadcast in French and German, as well as broadcasts that were available inside Ukraine following the start of the conflict.

The bans are largely symbolic, as satellite broadcasters have already pulled the Arabic-language feeds of RT and Sputnik from their products.