Zelenskyy announces new sanctions rounds against Russian defence industry, financial sector, intermediaries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced fresh rounds of sanctions targeting the Russian military-industrial sector, the financial system, and intermediaries, according to a video address on Friday evening. Ukraine is currently enforcing sanctions on companies and vessels transporting stolen grain and other goods from temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories.

Zelenskyy emphasized that there are still numerous Russian enterprises supporting the war effort, which must be addressed in August and September. He also outlined the Ukrainian diplomatic service's responsibility to impose sanctions on significant Russian companies and individuals, as well as those aiding Russia, who contribute to prolonging the conflict and producing Russian missiles and drones.

Zelenskyy highlighted the Ukrainian Defense Forces' advancements in transitioning to a technologically superior defense system over the past year, enabling successful long-range sanctions and mid-range strikes. He further explained that the strategic operation aimed at blocking Russia's southern region has been effective in limiting Russia's war potential, thanks to sanctions against Russian oil refineries, military logistics, and operations in the Black Sea and Azov Sea.

Zelenskyy stressed the importance of maintaining these efforts through additional political and legal measures to compel Russia and its society to seek an end to the war.