Ukraine has imposed sanctions on 10 Russian athletes due to their perceived complicity in supporting Russian aggression, following a petition from Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych.
On February 16, 2023, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine signed a decree to sanction 10 Russian athletes in response to a petition initiated by Vladyslav Heraskevych, a member of Ukraine's national Olympic skeleton team. This action highlights Ukraine's ongoing efforts to address Russian aggression and hold individuals accountable who are seen as supportive of actions against Ukrainian sovereignty.
The athletes sanctioned have been implicated in various actions that Ukraine views as complicit in the ongoing conflict. This includes visiting occupied territories such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea, as well as publicly supporting Russian military efforts and allegedly raising funds for the Russian armed forces. The sanctions are part of a broader strategy by Ukraine to combat the influence and support networks aiding Russia's military actions.
Zelenskyy's administration emphasizes that these sanctions serve as a critical reminder to the global community about the importance of standing against aggression and the consequences of supporting such actions. By enacting these sanctions, Ukraine aims to deter any future complicity and send a clear message that the international community must not ignore the actions of individuals who enable aggression against Ukraine.
