Ukraine Aligns with EU Sanctions to Target Central Asian Entities
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed decrees to align the nation’s sanctions with the restrictions introduced by the European Union in April. This latest wave of measures specifically targets a number of businesses operating in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
According to a statement released by Zelensky’s press service, several of the penalised entities were already subject to Ukrainian restrictions. The newly signed decrees formally extend these sanctions to an additional 16 Russian citizens and 31 companies. These businesses are based in Russia, Belarus, the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
Broader international targets
The updated sanctions list also takes aim at international actors supporting military programmes. Restrictions have been imposed on 19 Iranian nationals, seven Sudanese citizens and 11 Iranian companies. These entities have been identified as having direct involvement in Iran’s drone and ballistic missile production initiatives.
Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the presidential advisor and commissioner for sanctions policy, emphasised the importance of ongoing international coordination. He stated that Ukraine is continuously working to synchronise its sanctions regimes with the EU and other global partners.
«We expect further pressure to be increased on Russia and all those helping it sustain its aggression,» Vlasiuk noted.
He confirmed that officials are currently finalising joint drafts for upcoming sanctions decisions alongside European allies, which will include the highly anticipated 21st sanctions package.
The Central Asian connection
The inclusion of Central Asian firms follows the European Union’s 20th sanctions package, which previously targeted two specific enterprises in Uzbekistan: the Fergana Chemical Plant and Jizzakh-based Raw Materials Cellulose.
Both of these Uzbek facilities specialise in the production of cellulose. Authorities in Brussels allege that these companies have been supplying crucial raw materials to Russian defence factories, thereby indirectly supporting Moscow’s ongoing military campaign.
