Russian state-controlled media channels RT and Sputnik will be banned in the European Union with immediate effect for deliberate deception over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the 27-nation bloc announced on Wednesday, in an unprecedented measure.

The punishment prohibits EU operators from broadcasting, supporting, or otherwise assisting in the spread of any RT or Sputnik material.

Broadcast licenses or authorizations, as well as transmission and distribution agreements between the two corporations and their EU counterparts, will be halted.

The prohibition applies to RT’s English section as well as its activities in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Spain.

“Systematic information manipulation and disinformation by the Kremlin is applied as an operational tool in its assault on Ukraine,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement. “It is also a significant and direct threat to the Union’s public order and security.”

Facebook owner Meta, Alphabet Inc’s Google, YouTube and TikTok are already blocking access to RT and Sputnik in the EU. Twitter has said it will comply with the EU ban.