Kyiv, Ukraine – – Ukraine announced a new round of sanctions targeting individuals and companies aiding Russia’s weapons production and facilitating sanctions evasion, a move coinciding with the ongoing Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian territory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy detailed the measures in a statement, linking them directly to the recent intensification of Russian strikes. He specifically referenced a large-scale Russian aerial assault on the night of February 7th, which, according to Ukrainian assessments, involved over 400 drones and nearly 40 missiles of various types. “The production of these weapons would be impossible without critical foreign components that the Russians continue to obtain by circumventing sanctions,” Zelenskyy stated on the social media platform X. “We are introducing new sanctions precisely against such companies – suppliers of components, but also manufacturers of missiles and drones.”
The sanctions are not limited to those directly involved in the manufacture of weaponry. Zelenskyy also announced measures targeting Russia’s financial networks, specifically companies used to process payments for the supply of components used in Russian missile and drone production. Sanctions have been levied against agencies supporting Russia’s cryptocurrency market, a growing area of concern for Kyiv as it seeks to disrupt funding channels for the war effort.
According to a statement released by the Ukrainian presidential office, the new sanctions package encompasses a total of 66 individuals and 62 companies. These entities are based in a range of countries, including Russia, Hong Kong, Kyrgyzstan, and the United Arab Emirates. Notably, the list also includes businesses registered in China, Panama, and Georgia, highlighting the complex web of international actors involved in supporting Russia’s military capabilities.
The timing of these sanctions comes as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022. The conflict has been marked by intense aerial bombardments from both sides, targeting infrastructure and civilian areas. In recent months, Russia has significantly increased its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages and hardship, particularly as temperatures plummet during the winter months.
Zelenskyy underscored the scale of the recent Russian offensive, stating that over 2,000 attack drones, 1,200 guided aerial bombs, and 116 missiles of various types have been launched at Ukrainian cities and villages in the past week alone. He reiterated Ukraine’s urgent need for increased military assistance, including air defense systems and interceptor missiles, to effectively counter these attacks. “Almost every day, they attack energy facilities, logistical infrastructure, and residential buildings,” Zelenskyy said. “And This represents happening despite diplomatic efforts for peace.”
The Ukrainian president also indicated that some of the decisions taken in this latest round of sanctions are expected to be incorporated into the European Union’s 20th sanctions package against Russia, which is currently in its final stages of development. This suggests a coordinated effort between Ukraine and its Western allies to tighten the economic pressure on Moscow.
The imposition of these sanctions reflects Ukraine’s growing determination to disrupt the supply chains that enable Russia to sustain its war effort. By targeting not only the manufacturers of weapons but also the companies and individuals facilitating their production and financing, Kyiv aims to increase the costs for Russia and limit its ability to continue the conflict. The inclusion of companies based in countries that have maintained a more neutral stance on the war – such as China and the UAE – signals a broadening of Ukraine’s efforts to hold all actors accountable for supporting Russia’s aggression.
The effectiveness of these sanctions will depend on the willingness of international partners to enforce them rigorously and to close loopholes that allow Russia to circumvent the restrictions. The Ukrainian government has repeatedly called for stronger international cooperation to prevent the flow of dual-use goods and technologies to Russia, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
The situation remains highly volatile, with no immediate prospects for a negotiated settlement. As Russia continues its attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian areas, the need for sustained international support for Ukraine – both military and economic – remains critical. The latest sanctions represent a further attempt by Kyiv to raise the stakes for Moscow and to demonstrate its resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
