Zelensky Imposes Sanctions on 44 Individuals Involved in Russia’s Illegal Duma Elections in Occupied Ukrainian Regions

Sanctions Targeting Participants in Illegitimate Elections

According to 5 канал: President Volodymyr Zelensky has enacted sanctions based on a decision by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) against 44 individuals linked to the organization of unlawful elections to the Russian State Duma in territories of Ukraine currently under Russian occupation. These sanctions focus on those acting on Russia’s behalf, including collaborators and supporters of the occupying forces. Among those sanctioned are former Ukrainian MP Yuriy Onyshchuk, who began cooperating with Russian forces following the occupation of Melitopol, as well as propagandist and collaborator Irina Kuksenkova.

Invalidity of the Elections and International Backing

The elections to the Russian State Duma held in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories lack any legal legitimacy and are not recognized under international law. The so-called elections were marred by widespread fraud, coercion of voters, and manipulated turnout figures. The Office of the President of Ukraine emphasized that:

“This sanctions package targets 44 individuals acting in Russia’s interests, facilitating the temporary occupation in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia regions, as well as Crimea and Sevastopol.” – Office of the President of Ukraine

Many of those sanctioned have already been appointed as deputies in illegally established local councils within the occupied areas.

Information gathered about these elections will be shared with international partners to coordinate further restrictive measures. The sanctions enjoy support from a coalition of countries, including:

• The European Union
• The United Kingdom
• Switzerland
• Norway
• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand

President Zelensky has also called on former U.S. President Donald Trump to implement the Lindsey Graham Act, and urged European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa to introduce additional European sanctions.

“Our sanctions, followed by those of our partners, represent the proper legal condemnation of these elections and everyone involved.” – Vladyslav Vlasiuk

Ukraine’s sanctions aim to highlight the illegitimacy of the elections and increase pressure on those supporting Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

Implementing sanctions against individuals involved in these illegal elections marks a significant move by Ukraine in countering Russian aggression and its attempts to legitimize control over occupied regions. This action reaffirms Ukraine’s stance on the global stage and urges international allies to take proactive steps in imposing further sanctions on Russia and its collaborators. The broad international endorsement of these measures demonstrates growing global solidarity in defending Ukraine’s sovereignty.

In light of these recent sanctions, it is crucial to understand the broader implications of the illegitimate elections held in occupied regions. For a detailed overview of the individuals targeted by these measures and the international response to these unlawful elections, you can read more in our coverage of Zelensky's sanctions against election participants.