Zelensky Extends Sanctions Against Shariy, Guzhva, and Pushilin for 10 Years

Leroy Carter -

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree enforcing the National Security and Defense Council's (NSDC) decision from August 21, extending sanctions for 10 more years against several individuals, including Anatoliy Shariy, a blogger accused of treason, his wife Olga Shariy (Bondarenko), Igor Guzhva, the chief editor of the "Strana" news outlet, and Denis Pushilin, the so-called head of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), as well as other notable figures.

Key Details of the Sanctions

These extended sanctions come with a range of severe restrictions aimed at limiting the activities and influence of the targeted individuals and organizations. The sanctions primarily include:

  • Cancellation or suspension of licenses required to carry out certain activities within Ukraine.
  • Restrictions on the transfer of technology and rights to intellectual property.
  • Blocking access to websites and social media pages linked to the sanctioned individuals and entities.

The decree also imposes similar penalties on several legal entities, extending restrictions on their operations and assets. The targeted companies, including "Shariy.Net," the Historical Perspective Foundation, and other media and business organizations, face blocked assets, frozen domains and subdomains, as well as a ban on using Ukraine’s radio frequency spectrum.

Individuals and Companies Affected

Anatoliy Shariy, the central figure in this sanctions extension, has been a controversial presence in Ukraine due to his outspoken criticism of the Ukrainian government and his alleged ties to Russia. Shariy, who fled Ukraine in 2012, has been charged with treason by the Ukrainian authorities, claiming that his activities and rhetoric serve the interests of Russia.

Igor Guzhva, the editor-in-chief of the online media outlet "Strana.ua," has similarly faced scrutiny for his reporting, which has been viewed by many in Ukraine as pro-Russian. Both he and Shariy have been on the Ukrainian government’s radar for years, with Guzhva also leaving Ukraine after facing charges of tax evasion, which he claims were politically motivated.

Denis Pushilin, the so-called leader of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), continues to play a key role in the separatist movement in eastern Ukraine. His inclusion in the sanctions list is no surprise, as Ukraine has consistently maintained sanctions against DPR leaders as part of its efforts to counter Russian-backed separatism.

In addition to individuals, several legal entities have been impacted by the extended sanctions, including but not limited to:

  • "Shariy.Net" LLC: The media platform associated with Anatoliy Shariy, known for its pro-Russian stance and criticism of the Ukrainian government.
  • Historical Perspective Foundation: A Russian organization that has been linked to historical revisionism and promoting narratives favorable to the Kremlin.
  • "Business News Media" JSC: A media company involved in the dissemination of pro-Russian content.
  • "Lasmak" LLC and "Majeri" LLC: Companies involved in various commercial activities that allegedly support pro-Russian propaganda efforts.
  • "Smart Media Network" LLC, "Version" LLC, "ANNA-News" LLC, and "ERA-Media" LLC: Media companies accused of spreading disinformation and undermining Ukraine’s national security.
  • "SKEPTIC": Another media outlet under sanctions for its role in promoting narratives against Ukraine's sovereignty.

The sanctions against these companies include blocking their financial assets, freezing their domains and subdomains, and prohibiting their use of Ukraine’s radio frequencies. This action significantly limits their ability to operate and influence public discourse both within Ukraine and internationally.

Timeline of Sanctions

This latest decree is an extension of sanctions originally imposed by President Zelensky in 2021. At that time, the NSDC issued a series of sanctions targeting individuals and entities believed to be acting against Ukraine’s national interests. This included Anatoliy Shariy and Igor Guzhva, both of whom were accused of spreading pro-Russian propaganda and undermining the sovereignty of Ukraine.

Since then, the Ukrainian government has continued to monitor and restrict the activities of these individuals, extending sanctions where necessary to prevent further damage to Ukraine’s security and international standing. The decision to extend sanctions for an additional 10 years highlights the government’s long-term commitment to countering disinformation and foreign interference.

Why These Sanctions Matter

The extension of these sanctions is part of a broader effort by Ukraine to combat Russian influence, both domestically and abroad. Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, Russia has employed a wide range of tactics to destabilize Ukraine, including the use of media, political figures, and online platforms to spread disinformation and sow division.

By targeting individuals and organizations that promote pro-Russian narratives, Ukraine is working to protect its national sovereignty and ensure that its media landscape remains independent and free from foreign influence. The sanctions against Shariy, Guzhva, Pushilin, and others serve as a clear message that Ukraine will not tolerate attempts to undermine its democracy or territorial integrity.

Broader Implications

The extension of sanctions against Shariy and others also sends a signal to the international community about Ukraine’s resolve in the face of ongoing aggression from Russia. By taking a firm stance against individuals who are seen as supporting or enabling Russian interests, Ukraine is reinforcing its position as a nation that is serious about defending its sovereignty and standing up to external threats.

This move may also encourage other countries to take similar actions against those who engage in disinformation campaigns or support separatist movements. As the battle for control of information continues to play a crucial role in modern conflicts, sanctions like these represent an important tool in combating the spread of propaganda and protecting the integrity of national media landscapes.

Conclusion

President Zelensky’s decision to extend sanctions for 10 more years against key figures like Anatoliy Shariy, Igor Guzhva, and Denis Pushilin, as well as the organizations associated with them, marks a significant step in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to counter disinformation and foreign interference. The sanctions are designed to disrupt the operations of these individuals and entities, limiting their ability to spread pro-Russian narratives and undermine Ukraine’s national security.

As Ukraine continues to face challenges from Russia and its allies, the government’s actions demonstrate a strong commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and ensuring that its media remains free from external influence. These sanctions serve as a reminder that Ukraine is prepared to take decisive action to protect its democracy and maintain control over its information space.