Ukraine sanctions Russian missile engineers, crypto firms and shadow banking network

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees implementing three new sanctions packages targeting Russia's defense industry, financial networks and activities in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories.

The first package targets 70 employees of Russian defense and chemical companies involved in producing Iskander-M ballistic missiles and Zircon missiles, which Russia uses to strike Ukrainian cities.

Those sanctioned include engineers, production managers and other key personnel at facilities such as the Votkinsk Plant, as well as companies supplying chemicals and components used in missile production.

The enterprises themselves are already subject to Ukrainian sanctions and, in some cases, restrictions imposed by Western partners.

"The enterprises producing Iskanders and Zircons have long been under sanctions. But missiles are assembled by specific people: engineers, technologists and production managers," presidential sanctions adviser Vladyslav Vlasiuk said.

Ukraine intends to work with international partners to extend sanctions against the individuals involved in Russian missile production, he added.

A second package targets 28 individuals and 27 companies involved in circumventing financial sanctions. They include cryptocurrency exchange operators, digital currency exchange services and executives linked to the A7 shadow banking network, which has previously been sanctioned by the United States.

A third package imposes restrictions on 10 individuals, 21 companies and two vessels accused of supporting Russian activities in occupied Ukrainian territories.

The targets include collaborators, internet and television service providers, and businesses involved in geological exploration, electronics and metal production.

The Ukrainian presidential office said the measures were intended to increase pressure on those enabling Russia's military operations and helping it bypass international restrictions.