Ukraine Strikes with New Sanctions

In a substantial move against pro-Russian propagandists and key supporters of Russia’s military-industrial complex, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has enacted two new decrees reinforcing the nation’s stance amidst ongoing conflicts.

The decrees, rooted in decisions from the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, target individuals and entities bolstering Russian aggression and military capabilities. The first decree imposes sanctions on 14 individuals identified as pro-Russian propagandists who actively deny Ukrainian territorial occupations and are financially backed by coal industries in the occupied Donbas regions.

The second decree extends its reach to 10 individuals and 31 legal entities situated in Russia, China, and Iran. These are primarily companies along with their executives and owners involved in circumventing existing sanctions to supply essential equipment and components to Russia’s military apparatus. Notably, the sanctions also cover Iranian state bodies and legal entities recognized for their military contributions to Russia.

President Zelenskyy emphasized the strategic importance of these sanctions during a briefing, highlighting ongoing efforts to synchronize sanctions with global partners including the EU, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. “Since the beginning of the year, we have synchronized 11 sanction packages with our partners – six with our colleagues from the European Union. Also with the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Next month, we will complete the synchronization efforts. We will fulfill all our plans and obligations. It is now very important for us to ensure coordination among the G7 countries,” he stated. These measures underscore Ukraine’s commitment to curtailing Russian military capabilities and propaganda efforts, aligning closely with broader international sanctions regimes.