Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the development of a new sanctions package targeting Russian individuals who support the ongoing conflict and exploit sports for military purposes. This statement was made during his address on February 15.
“We are preparing a new sanctions package against Russian individuals who are working for the war and using sports to serve the war. The documents are already prepared,” the president stated.
Zelensky emphasized that this sanctions initiative is intended to serve as a global signal. He remarked, “This is a signal that one cannot simply turn a blind eye to support for aggression. When Ukrainians are prohibited from even mentioning the victims of Russian aggression at the Olympics, it is undoubtedly a global setback for justice. We will restore justice. The decree regarding sanctions will be issued soon,” he asserted.
On February 12, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) disqualified Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych just before his first run at the 2026 Olympic Games. This decision followed the IOC’s ban on his participation while wearing a helmet that commemorated fallen athletes. Subsequently, Zelensky awarded Heraskevych the Order of Freedom.
Further updates will follow.
President Zelensky has announced a forthcoming sanctions package aimed at Russian individuals involved in the war and the use of sports for military purposes. This initiative follows recent actions by the IOC against a Ukrainian athlete, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding the conflict and international sports.