Zelenskyy Targets Russian Judges

In a significant move on March 10, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy enacted sanctions against a group of 41 judges, predominantly Russian, for issuing unlawful sentences to prisoners of war and supporting Russia’s military aggression. The decree, guided by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine’s decision, also extends punitive measures against several Russian businesses.

The sanctioned individuals include 38 Russian judges and three collaborators, one of whom notably sentenced nine Ukrainian prisoners of war within a week under fabricated terrorism charges. Additionally, sanctions were targeted at former Ukrainians, now in Donetsk, who condemned two British and one Moroccan volunteer to death. These volunteers had participated in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and were later captured by Russia.

Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the Advisor-Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Sanctions Policy, emphasized that these sanctions are crucial for justice. He highlighted the disgrace in seeing former Ukrainians turn into collaborators, using the judiciary as a tool for repression. Alongside individuals, the sanctions extend to 11 Russian companies involved in various sectors, including aviation maintenance and drone production. Some of these companies have been operational in the illegally occupied Crimea and participated in constructing the controversial Crimean Bridge.

This sweeping sanctions package, first introduced in phases starting from 2021, has seen the liquidation of three companies so far, demonstrating the measures’ impact. Ukraine plans to coordinate with international partners to align these sanctions globally, ensuring a unified stance against the violations observed.