Key facts
- Ukraine has imposed new sanctions targeting Russia's military-industrial complex and propaganda efforts.
- The sanctions list includes former Ukrainian lawmaker Yurii Ivanyushchenko and creators of "Masha and the Bear."
- Measures target 28 Russian citizens, 36 Russian companies, and one Chinese firm linked to Russia's defense industry.
- Sanctions also affect five companies owned by Russian steel giant Rusal and nine affiliated individuals.
- Forty-five individuals and eight entities accused of promoting the invasion are also designated.
- Penalties include asset freezes, trade restrictions, and travel bans.
Ukraine has implemented a new wave of sanctions against entities and individuals connected to Russia's war efforts and propaganda machine, as well as former Ukrainian officials. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed four decrees on August 20, targeting Russia's military-industrial complex, its propaganda apparatus, and those involved in sanctions evasion.
One decree specifically targets companies and individuals linked to Russia's defense industry, imposing restrictions on 28 Russian citizens, 36 Russian companies, and one Chinese firm. These entities are involved in sanctions evasion, supplying industrial equipment, drone research, and software development for Russian security forces. Presidential Sanctions Commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk stated that the goal is to "effectively deprive it of resources and international connections."
Another decree targets nine Russian citizens and five companies owned by the sanctioned Russian steel giant Rusal. These are linked to the import of raw materials essential for producing missiles, artillery, and military aircraft. A third decree designates 45 individuals and eight entities accused of promoting Russia's invasion, including Yurii Ivanyushchenko, a former member of Ukraine's parliament and ally of ousted President Viktor Yanukovych. Ivanyushchenko, who allegedly has ties to Russian criminal and business circles and is under investigation for land seizure, has had companies operating in Russian-occupied Crimea.
Unusually, a fourth decree targets the creators and distributors of the popular Russian children's cartoon "Masha and the Bear." Five Russian citizens and four organizations, including the animation studio Animaccord and its CEO, are sanctioned for allegedly spreading pro-Russian narratives through the content. Sanctions Commissioner Vlasiuk emphasized the need to counter Russian propaganda, especially when it targets children on international platforms.
The newly sanctioned individuals and entities will face asset freezes, trade restrictions, travel bans, and other penalties. Kyiv intends to align these sanctions with its international partners.