Ukraine Imposes Sanctions on Sports Figures for Spreading Russian Propaganda

Ukrainian President Takes Strong Stance Against Sports Figures Promoting Russian Propaganda

President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree imposing sanctions against three individuals and two organizations accused of using sports platforms to disseminate anti-Ukrainian narratives and Russian propaganda. The sanctions, outlined in Document No. 60/2026 dated January 17, target entities that Ukrainian officials say are attempting to justify Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine.

Among those sanctioned is a Russian boxer and fighter who has publicly supported Russia’s actions in Ukraine and endorsed the activities of occupying forces, according to the official statement from the President’s office. The sanctions also extend to the Russian Paralympic Committee and its president, as well as the Federation of Computer Sports of Russia and its president.

“Thanks to the introduction of these sanctions, our country reminds the world ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games that sport is not above politics,” the Presidential Press Service stated. “After all, sanctioned individuals openly support aggression, war crimes and occupation and thereby undermine the principles and values of the Olympic movement.”

The timing of these sanctions appears strategic, coming as the international sports community prepares for upcoming major events. Ukraine has consistently pushed for Russian athletes to face consequences for their country’s military actions, arguing that allowing them to compete normalizes Russia’s aggression.

The measures implemented through this decree are comprehensive. They include the revocation of Ukrainian state awards and other forms of recognition, the freezing of assets, and the imposition of complete restrictions on trade operations. The sanctions also prevent capital from leaving Ukraine, suspend economic and financial obligations, and terminate licenses and permits necessary for certain activities.

This move represents an escalation in Ukraine’s efforts to isolate Russia culturally and economically. Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, Ukraine has systematically worked to cut ties with Russian cultural, sports, and business entities that support the Kremlin’s war efforts.

The sports world has been deeply affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with various international sports federations taking different approaches to Russian participation in global competitions. The International Olympic Committee has allowed Russian athletes to compete under neutral status in many events, a compromise that Ukraine has consistently criticized as insufficient.

The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine has been tasked with monitoring the enforcement of these sanctions, which took effect immediately upon publication of the decree.

This action by President Zelensky highlights the increasingly blurred lines between sports and geopolitics in the context of international conflicts. Ukraine’s position that “sport is not above politics” directly challenges the traditional Olympic ideal of keeping sports separate from political disputes.

The sanctions also reflect Ukraine’s broader diplomatic strategy of maintaining international pressure on Russia and those who support its actions, even as the war approaches its third year with no clear end in sight.

For the targeted individuals and organizations, these sanctions may have limited practical effect if they have few connections to Ukraine. However, the symbolic impact is significant, reinforcing Ukraine’s message that support for Russian aggression will continue to face consequences across all spheres of international engagement, including sports.