KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy imposed sanctions Saturday on 44 individuals whom Kyiv says were involved in Russia’s State Duma elections held in areas of Ukraine under Russian control.
Zelenskyy signed a decree enacting a decision by Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council to impose the sanctions, according to a statement from the Ukrainian presidential office.
The sanctions list includes individuals previously elected to local bodies established by Russian authorities in Moscow-controlled areas, as well as others whom Ukrainian authorities accuse of cooperating with Russia.
Those named include journalist and commentator Irina Kuksenkova and former Ukrainian lawmaker Yuriy Onyshchuk.
The Ukrainian presidential office said Kyiv does not recognize the elections and considers their results and related documents to have no legal effect.
Ukrainian authorities also accused Russia of using the electoral process to consolidate its control over the areas.
Source: Saudi Gazette