Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has taken a firm stance against what he describes as the cultural colonisation of Ukraine by Russia by imposing sanctions on a range of Russian academics, propagandists, and organizations. This move is part of a broader effort to combat the distortion of historical facts and the appropriation of cultural assets from Ukraine's National Archival Fund. The decision was enacted through a decree aligning with the recommendations of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, underscoring the seriousness of the situation from the Ukrainian government's perspective.

Among the 29 individuals sanctioned is Aleksandr Chubaryan, a Russian propagandist known for co-authoring a school history textbook that promotes narratives justifying Russia's aggressive actions towards Ukraine. Additionally, individuals such as Alexei Miller, who is regarded as a pseudo-historian promoting the 'Russian world' ideology, and Artem Lagoysky, who has actively collaborated with occupying forces in Ukraine, are also featured on the sanctions list. This targeting of specific individuals highlights the Ukrainian government's strategy to undermine narratives that threaten its sovereignty and cultural integrity.

The implications of these sanctions are significant as they represent a direct response to ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, particularly in the cultural discourse. By articulating a clear stance against cultural appropriation and misinformation, Ukraine seeks to bolster its national identity and historical narrative in the face of external threats. The move is not only a political directive but also serves as a call to the international community to recognize the cultural battles at play in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.