Ukraine imposes sanctions on controversial judge and Russian media outlets
Photo: Journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity (Getty Images)
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on Russian judges, propaganda media outlets, and their executives. The list includes individuals linked to the death of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, according to the decree signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Who was sanctioned
The sanctions package includes 29 individuals and 17 legal entities:
- judges involved in the criminal prosecution of Ukrainians in Russia and occupied Crimea;
- judges who handed down sentences against Ukrainian activists, journalists, and politicians;
- Russian propaganda media outlets and their executives;
- the Russian Union of Journalists.
Judge who isolated Ukrainians
The decree specifically mentions Moscow judge Timur Vakhrameev. According to the Ukrainian government, he has systematically issued politically motivated rulings against Ukrainian civilians and members of volunteer military units.
Vakhrameev facilitated the complete isolation of unlawfully detained Ukrainian journalists and was involved in the imprisonment of journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna.
Roshchyna's death became known on October 10, 2024, when she was already on a prisoner exchange list. Russia returned her body, bearing signs of torture, to Ukraine only in February 2025.
Sanctions against Russian media
The package also includes a number of Russian propaganda media outlets and their executives.
Among those sanctioned are:
- Gazeta.ru;
- Lenta.ru;
- the Russian Union of Journalists.
They were added to the sanctions list for systematically spreading disinformation and Russian propaganda.
"We believe that everyone involved in the persecution of Ukrainians and the spread of Russian propaganda must be held accountable for their actions. Ukrainian sanctions are only the beginning, and further decisions will follow," said Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the President's Commissioner for Sanctions Policy.
Ukraine's sanctions against Russia
Ukraine continues to expand sanctions pressure on Russia.
In April, restrictions were imposed on companies and individuals supporting Russia's military-industrial complex, helping circumvent sanctions, conducting illegal business activities in temporarily occupied territories, and participating in the construction of the Kerch Bridge.
Before that, Ukraine imposed sanctions on Russian Paralympians.
Earlier still, restrictions were placed on 10 Russian transport and logistics companies that deliver cargo to Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia.
