Vladyslav Vlasjuk, the President of Ukraine's Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, revealed the logic behind four new sanctions packages in a comment to RBC-Ukraine. These packages are aimed simultaneously at several links in the Russian system that supports aggression against Ukraine. According to him, the restrictions are not targeted at specific points but cover the entire chain: from organizers of administrative-legal integration of occupied territories to specific defense industry production facilities and even media structures using children's content as a propaganda tool.
Pressure on Administrative and Economic Integration of Occupied Territories
Vlasjuk cited Yuri Turulev and Sanal Adyaev in the Kherson region as examples: both organizers of the administrative-legal integration of occupied territories and individuals involved in their economic exploitation, particularly the illegal export of Ukrainian grain, came under pressure. He separately noted sanctions against Russian deputy Viktor Kushnir, which, according to the Office of the President, block the shadow supply of drones and equipment to the Russian army through private and political networks. Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Sergei Baburin also fell under the sanctions blow; as emphasized in the OP, he regularly disseminates theses about the "legality" of the occupation of Ukrainian territories, denies Ukrainian identity, and discredits Ukraine.
Blow to the Aluminum Industry and Supply Chains
A significant part of the package is directed against enterprises of the Rusal group. Restrictions cover the Sayano-Gorsk, Krasnoyarsk, Bratsk, and Ural aluminum plants, as well as the management company "Russian Aluminum Management" and the company's management as a whole. The Office of the President recalled that aluminum is a critical raw material for aviation, missiles, and artillery. Vlasjuk emphasized the importance of closing the entire production chain; in particular, alumina is supplied by Aughinish Alumina, owned by Rusal. He confirmed that work is currently underway for the European Union and/or the Irish government to make a decision to restrict the supply of alumina to the now-sanctioned enterprises.
Blocking Drone Technology Developments and Defense Industry Links
The so-called "Crimean Research Institute of Unmanned Technologies," initiated by sanctioned Sergey Aksyonov, fell under restrictions. Ukraine's goal is to destroy enemy capabilities at the development stage. Since the structure is involved not only in creating FPV drones, electronic warfare systems, and artificial intelligence but also in training operators and engineers, the entire complex falls under restrictions. The OP also gave examples of pressure on enterprises without which the Russian defense industry cannot function fully: "Metal Industry" supplies metalworking equipment and software for Russian defense industry enterprises; among its counterparts are sanctioned "Kalashnikov," "Istok," and "Design Bureau of Chemical Automation." Another example is NPP "Engineering and Industrial Company," which produces special equipment, including TDA-3 smoke machines for masking troops and objects from reconnaissance and precision weapons.
Sanctions Against Propaganda and Animated Structures
The package includes producers of animated content — LLC "Masha and the Bear," "Animaccord" studio, and "Mim Studio." Specific legal entities using children's media products as a propaganda tool and to influence Ukrainian children are subject to restrictions. As Vlasjuk summarized, Ukraine now has legal grounds to appeal to global platforms, in particular Netflix and YouTube, regarding the termination of interaction with sanctioned individuals, as well as blocking monetization and distribution of their content to the Ukrainian audience.
Context: Additional Restrictions and International Aspect
Against the backdrop of four new packages, on August 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy imposed sanctions on former Regional Party member Ivanyushchenko. At the same time, it became known that Kyrgyzstan is forcibly closing companies helping Russia circumvent sanctions. Thus, according to the Office of the President, Ukraine's sanctions policy is increasing pressure on enterprises and individuals without which the enemy's defense industry and propaganda machine cannot function fully, while simultaneously expanding international contour pressure on circumvention schemes.
