Ukraine Tightens Sanctions Grip

In a significant move to curb Russian military capabilities and financial operations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has enacted new sanctions targeting individuals and entities linked to Russia’s military-industrial complex and financial sector. The sanctions, imposed on February 8, 2026, affect 66 individuals and 62 legal entities from Russia, Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan, and the United Arab Emirates.

The first of the decrees focuses on disrupting the supply chains that support Russian military operations, specifically targeting 24 individuals and 27 entities. These sanctions hit companies involved in producing components utilized in Russian missile and drone manufacturing. According to President Zelenskyy’s administration, these measures are crucial as the targeted productions rely heavily on foreign components, which are essential for the functioning of Russian military hardware used against Ukraine.

The second decree aims at the financial infrastructure that enables Russia to sidestep international sanctions previously imposed by Ukraine, the EU, and the US. This round of sanctions encompasses 42 individuals and 35 legal entities, including those involved with the A7 cryptocurrency network, which allegedly facilitates payments for Russian military supplies. The sanctions package also targets various players in the cryptocurrency market, including miners and crypto exchanges, which are said to support Russia’s financial maneuvers in circumventing global sanctions.

These sanctions align with the broader international efforts, feeding into the 20th sanctions package of the European Union, which is nearing adoption. Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Advisor – Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Sanctions Policy, emphasized the strategic nature of these sanctions, stating that they are designed to systematically identify and penalize those supporting Russia’s military and financial sectors. The measures are increasingly being used by international partners to limit Russia’s military and financial capabilities effectively.