Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has enacted a decree implementing sanctions against Russian media outlets and judges involved in the unlawful prosecution of Ukrainians. This action follows a decision by the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
The sanctions package includes 29 individuals and 17 entities, targeting judges implicated in the criminal prosecution of Ukrainians within Russia and in the occupied territories of Crimea. This group also includes those responsible for the in absentia sentencing of Ukrainian activists, journalists, and politicians.
Among those sanctioned is Moscow judge Timur Vakhrameyev, known for issuing politically motivated rulings against Ukrainian civilians and fighters from volunteer units. He has been linked to the isolation of unlawfully detained Ukrainian journalists and the imprisonment of Victoria Roshchina, who died in Russian captivity.
The sanctions also extend to Russian media organizations and their leaders who have been involved in the systematic dissemination of misinformation and propaganda. Notable entities included in the sanctions are Gazeta.ru and Lenta.ru, as well as the Union of Journalists of Russia.
Vladislav Vasyuk, the President’s Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, stated, “We believe that all those involved in the persecution of Ukrainians and the spread of Russian propaganda must be held accountable for their actions. Ukrainian sanctions are just the beginning; further measures will follow. We appreciate the support of human rights organizations in documenting these cases.”
Ukraine has initiated sanctions against Russian media and judges involved in the persecution of Ukrainians, marking a significant step in its ongoing response to aggression. The measures target individuals and organizations linked to the spread of propaganda and unlawful prosecutions.