Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Imposes Sanctions on Individuals Used in Russian Propaganda Efforts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has implemented a new round of sanctions targeting individuals and entities involved in Russian propaganda efforts and those who publicly justify Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine.

The sanctions announcement came during a presidential address, with the official decree later published on the president’s website. The measures reflect Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to counter Russian information warfare, which has been a significant component of the conflict since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

“I also signed a new sanctions decision – these are sanctions against those who justify the aggression and are used by Russia in propaganda,” Zelenskyy stated in his address. “I approved the next sanctions measures as well – decisions will follow shortly.”

The newly published decree specifically targets three Russian citizens: Yakov Bukin, Pavel Rozhkov, and Dmitry Smit. In addition to these individuals, sanctions have been imposed on two Russian organizations – the Russian Paralympic Committee and the Russian Computer Sports Federation, both described as “all-Russian public organizations.”

While the specific infractions of each sanctioned entity weren’t detailed in the initial announcement, the move aligns with Ukraine’s broader strategy to combat Russian disinformation campaigns that have sought to legitimize the invasion and undermine international support for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to coordinating sanctions efforts with international partners, highlighting a dual approach. The country is working to implement partner nations’ sanctions within Ukraine’s jurisdiction while also advocating for Ukrainian sanctions decisions to be reflected in international sanction lists.

“A significant portion of personal sanctions imposed by Ukraine’s partners, as well as lists targeting legal entities, already incorporate proposals from Ukraine,” the president noted, underscoring the growing international alignment on sanctions strategy.

This latest round of sanctions comes amid Ukraine’s continued efforts to maintain international focus on the conflict as it approaches its third year. The sanctions regime has evolved into a critical diplomatic and economic tool in Ukraine’s response to Russian aggression, targeting not only military and political figures but also those involved in propaganda efforts that support the Kremlin’s war narrative.

The sanctioning of the Russian Paralympic Committee is particularly notable as it represents an extension of sanctions into the realm of sports organizations, which have been used by Russia for international prestige and soft power projection. Similarly, the targeting of the Russian Computer Sports Federation suggests Ukraine is monitoring how Russia utilizes even emerging sectors like esports for propaganda purposes.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has implemented numerous sanctions packages targeting thousands of individuals and entities connected to Russia’s war effort. These measures typically include asset freezes, travel restrictions, and prohibitions on conducting business within Ukraine.

The effectiveness of Ukraine’s sanctions has been amplified when adopted by international partners, particularly the European Union, United States, United Kingdom, and other G7 nations, creating a more comprehensive global pressure campaign against Russia.

As the conflict continues, the role of information warfare remains crucial, with both sides recognizing the importance of narrative control in sustaining domestic and international support. Ukraine’s targeting of propaganda figures signals its recognition that the battle extends beyond the physical frontlines to the information space.