Kyiv has expanded its sanctions list to include Russian judges and media representatives accused of involvement in the persecution of Ukrainians and the death of journalist Victoria Roshchina. The corresponding decree was signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
List under fire: 29 individuals and 17 legal entities
According to data published by RBC-Ukraine, the new package of restrictions covers a significant number of subjects. The blacklist includes 29 individuals and 17 organizations. The basis for the sanctions was actions aimed at isolating Ukrainian citizens, as well as the systematic dissemination of false information and propaganda.
Judge Vakhrameev: politically motivated decisions
Special attention in the decree is paid to the activities of Moscow judge Timur Vakhrameev. According to the Ukrainian government, he systematically issues politically motivated decisions against Ukrainian citizens and participants of volunteer units.
Official Kyiv considers Vakhrameev one of the key figures in the case of the illegal detention of Ukrainian journalists. In particular, his actions led to the isolation and subsequent imprisonment of Victoria Roshchina.
The tragedy of Victoria Roshchina
Events related to the journalist's fate became one of the catalysts for the introduction of new restrictions. Victoria Roshchina's death became known on October 10, 2024, when she was already on the exchange lists. Russia handed over the journalist's body, on which traces of torture were found, to Ukraine only in February 2025.
Responsibility for propaganda
In addition to the judicial system, Russian media holdings and their leaders have come under fire. They were added to the sanctions list for the systematic dissemination of lies and propaganda. Vladyslav Vlasuk, the President's Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, stated that all those involved in the persecution of Ukrainians must be held accountable for their actions.
"Ukrainian sanctions are just the beginning, there will be further decisions," Vlasuk emphasized.
Expansion of sanctions pressure
The introduction of restrictions on judges and the media fits into Kyiv's general strategy to increase pressure on Russia. Earlier, in April, companies and individuals supporting the Russian military-industrial complex, as well as those involved in the construction of the Kerch Bridge and carrying out illegal activities on occupied territories, were sanctioned.
The list of restrictions is constantly growing: previously, Russian transport and logistics enterprises delivering cargo to occupied lands, and even Russian Paralympians, came under fire.