Ukraine blacklists 10 top Russian telecom operators
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on 10 Russian mobile operators and internet providers that provide communications services to the Russian forces, according to the Presidential Office.
Who ended up on sanctions list
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree enacting the relevant decision of the National Security and Defense Council. The sanctions list includes companies that provide secure communication channels for Russian authorities, supply internet services in temporarily occupied territories, and broadcast Russian television channels.
The sanctioned entities include:
- Luhansk Communications and Mobile Communication Systems, which Russia uses to spread propaganda
- Federal satellite communications operator Amtel-Svyaz
- Satellite Communications Company, which provides protected channels used for conducting the war.
Consequences, international response
Ukraine plans to share all information about these companies with international partners to synchronize sanctions across other jurisdictions.
As Advisor – Commissioner of the President for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk emphasized, any activity in occupied territories is illegal, meaning companies servicing Russian forces become toxic for global business.
The restrictions are intended to block their operation outside Russia.
Tightening sanctions against Russia
The European Union continues to step up economic and political pressure on Russia.
Recently, Brussels proposed a new 21st sanctions package covering critical sectors, including energy, financial services, trade, cryptocurrency, and fisheries. A key feature of the new restrictions would be a full ban on entry into the EU for former Russian military personnel who took part in the aggression against Ukraine.
In addition, European diplomats prepare targeted measures against another 80 Russian organizations and individuals. The sanctions are expected to focus on Russia's defense industry enterprises, Kremlin propagandists, and human rights violators.
In total, more than 2,600 Russian entities are already under EU sanctions, while the cumulative losses to the Kremlin from EU pressure have reached $1.5 trillion.
