**Ukraine’s President Imposes Sanctions on Individuals and Companies Doing Business in Russian-Occupied Territories**
In a bold move to counter Russia’s aggression, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed an order imposing sanctions on individuals and companies doing business in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea. The sanctions are aimed at those who cooperate with the Russian occupier on Ukrainian soil, helping to justify aggression and making a profit from it.
According to Zelensky, the sanctions are necessary to hold accountable those who have chosen to do business with the enemy. He emphasized that these individuals and companies not only harm Ukraine but also undermine international law and human rights. The order was published on the Presidential Office’s website along with lists of sanctioned individuals and companies.
The lists include prominent figures such as lawmaker Artem Dmytriuk, who fled Ukraine in 2024 and is suspected of assaulting a police officer and a military service member. Another notable individual on the list is fugitive ex-lawmaker Oleksandr Onyshchenko, who was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison for large-scale fraud in the gas sector.
**A Larger Plan Ahead**
This move by Zelensky marks just the beginning of a larger plan to impose sanctions on those doing business with Russia. The President has stated that more steps will be taken soon to fully synchronize Ukrainian sanctions with the actions of foreign partners. This move is seen as an attempt to restrict all individuals and companies who choose to do business with Russia, regardless of their location.
**Human Rights Concerns**
Ukrainian laws on collaboration have long been a subject of discussion among academics, practitioners, and the public. According to research by human rights defenders, Ukraine’s law recognizes doing business in occupied territories as a crime of collaboration, but its application has raised concerns about breaches of international human rights conventions.
The Zmina Human Rights Center has highlighted flaws in the law, pointing out that it does not take into account cases where individuals conduct economic activities to meet their basic needs or support the livelihood of the population under occupation. This has led some experts to question whether the law can be applied without violating human rights standards.
**Conclusion**
The sanctions imposed by Zelensky are a significant step towards holding accountable those who choose to do business with Russia in occupied Ukrainian territories. As Ukraine continues to navigate its complex relationship with Russia, this move demonstrates a commitment to upholding international law and human rights. However, the implementation of these sanctions will be closely watched, especially considering concerns about potential breaches of human rights conventions.
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