Ukraine Tightens Global Sanctions

In a significant move on December 27, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy enacted two pivotal decrees following resolutions from the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, aimed at intensifying sanctions and aligning with global partners against acts of aggression and human rights violations.

The first decree focuses on harmonizing Ukraine’s sanctions with those of the United Kingdom, targeting eight individuals and 40 legal entities. These sanctions are imposed on various nationals from countries including Russia, Azerbaijan, Singapore, and New Zealand, who have been involved in the forced deportation and re-education of Ukrainian children, as well as supplying electronics and dual-use components utilized in Russian military offenses against Ukrainian cities. The entities, spanning multiple countries such as Russia, Hong Kong, the UAE, Thailand, Türkiye, India, and Singapore, are penalized for assisting the Russian Federation in evading international sanctions and providing crucial military supplies.

Further extending its diplomatic and strategic reach, Ukraine has aligned its sanctions throughout the year with 14 packages from international allies, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, and Japan. This synchronization represents a robust effort to maintain a unified international stance against violations of international law.

Additionally, the second decree supports the imposition of sanctions in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning South Sudan. These sanctions target key military figures implicated in ongoing conflict, human rights abuses, and obstruction of peace processes in South Sudan, highlighting global concerns over stability and human rights in the region.

These measures reflect Ukraine’s committed stance on global cooperation and adherence to international law, marking a significant step in its diplomatic engagements and efforts to uphold international peace and security.