Zelenskyy imposes sanctions on 44 individuals involved in holding illegal ‘elections’ in Ukraine’s TOT

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has authorized sanctions against 44 individuals implicated in organizing unlawful elections in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories, the President’s Office announced. The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine decreed the sanctions, targeting those who are aiding Russia’s strategic interests and aiding in the occupation of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhia regions, Crimea, and Sevastopol.

Several of the sanctioned individuals are alleged to have been elected to positions in these so-called local councils, which were established illegally during the occupation. Among the sanctioned figures is Irina Kuksenkova, a propagandist and supporter of the invaders, and former Ukrainian lawmaker Iurii Onishchuk, who allegedly joined the Russians following the seizure of Melitopol.

Ukraine firmly asserts that these "elections" are unlawful and their outcomes, along with any associated documents, lack any legal standing. These actions are viewed as a clear breach of international law and its core tenets.