Kyiv – President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Sunday a new round of sanctions aimed at individuals he says are spreading Russian propaganda and backing Russia’s hostile actions against Ukraine. The decree, which will remain in effect for ten years, freezes assets and restricts trade for former presidential press secretary Yuliia Mendel and nine additional persons.
Sanctions details and legal basis
The presidential decree outlines asset freezes and trade restrictions for the designated individuals. Zelenskiy’s office described the move as a necessary step to protect national security and to counter disinformation campaigns that undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Response from the sanctioned
Mendel, who served as Zelenskiy’s press secretary from 2019 until 2021, posted a message on Facebook calling the sanctions unconstitutional. She did not address the specific accusations of propaganda dissemination. In her statement, Mendel argued that the sanctions target Ukrainian citizens who advocate for peace, and she criticized other recent decisions by the president.
Context of the action
Sanctioning a former staff member is an uncommon measure in Ukraine, though the government has previously used similar tools against political figures. In 2025, former President Petro Poroshenko faced sanctions, including an asset freeze and a ban on capital withdrawals, after the domestic intelligence service cited national‑security concerns.
Broader implications
The decree adds ten individuals—both Russian and Ukrainian—to a list of those accused of spreading disinformation and supporting Russia’s aggressive policy. The presidency emphasized that the sanctions are part of a broader effort to combat foreign influence operations that seek to destabilize Ukraine.
Criticism and legal debate
Legal experts and opposition figures have raised questions about the constitutionality of imposing sanctions on Ukrainian citizens. They argue that such measures may conflict with protections afforded under Ukraine’s constitution. However, the administration maintains that the sanctions are justified under emergency powers aimed at safeguarding the nation.
International reaction
While the sanctions are a domestic Ukrainian measure, international observers have noted the growing use of economic tools to counter propaganda and hybrid warfare. Analysts suggest that Ukraine’s approach reflects a broader trend of leveraging financial restrictions to deter hostile information campaigns.
As the situation develops, the sanctioned individuals have the right to appeal the decree in Ukrainian courts, where the legal arguments surrounding the constitutionality of the sanctions will be examined.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
