Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has enacted sanctions against Andriy Bohdan, the former head of the President’s Office, as part of a broader decision by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). The sanctions were formalized through a decree issued on May 2.
The sanctions list includes five individuals, prominently featuring Bohdan, who was born on December 3, 1976, and holds Ukrainian citizenship. The presidential announcement states that the actions of these individuals pose a threat to Ukraine’s national interests, security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The sanctions specifically target Bohdan, alongside several others, including Ukrainian businessman Bohdan Pukish, who is associated with Viktor Medvedchuk, a sanctioned figure. Also included are Russian businessman Alan Kiryukhin, who is linked to a payment system used to circumvent sanctions, and Russian sports officials Stanislav Pozdnyakov and Mikhail Mamiashvili, known for their roles in Olympic sports propaganda.
The imposed restrictions include revocation of state awards, asset blocking, cessation of trade operations, prevention of capital outflow from Ukraine, suspension of licenses and permits, and a ban on participation in the privatization and leasing of state property. These sanctions will last for a period of ten years, with the revocation of state awards being indefinite.
In a historical context, Bohdan was appointed as the head of Zelensky’s administration on May 21, 2019, having previously served as a legal advisor to oligarch Ihor Kolomoyskyi. He was dismissed from his position on February 11, 2020, and replaced by Andriy Yermak. In a June 2020 interview, Zelensky revealed that he initially considered Bohdan for the role of Attorney General but later recognized that the position was corrupting him, leading to their estrangement.
Following his dismissal, Bohdan publicly criticized Zelensky, claiming that the president had abandoned his vision for a prosperous Ukraine in favor of the whims of unprofessional advisors. He also alleged that members of Zelensky’s party, Servant of the People, were receiving substantial cash payments for favorable votes in the Verkhovna Rada.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has imposed sanctions on former chief of staff Andriy Bohdan and four others, citing threats to national security. The sanctions encompass asset blocking and a ban on state property transactions, lasting for ten years.