A two-day sanctions forum is underway in Kyiv to assess the impact of sanctions on Russia and discuss further steps to strengthen restrictions. Representatives of Ukraine, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Poland, Romania, the United States, Czechia, Finland, France, Sweden, Japan, and the European Union are taking part.
Advisor – Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk noted that the forum gives sanctions coordinators an opportunity to exchange ideas, put forward proposals, and develop concrete solutions. The topics under discussion include energy, components used in Russian missiles and drones, suppliers and manufacturers serving Russia’s military-industrial complex, Russia’s financial sector, and restrictions on maritime transportation.
“Such a meeting makes it possible to hear firsthand assessments of the results of sanctions, openly discuss certain issues, and reach immediate agreement on some of them. There is an understanding that sanctions are the best way to compel Russia to engage in serious, genuine negotiations. Everyone understands that sanctions pressure must be increased, and everyone is preparing and will introduce new sanctions packages,” Vladyslav Vlasiuk said.
During the forum, Ukraine is also drawing attention to suppliers of electronic components found in Russian “shaheds.” According to Vladyslav Vlasiuk, around one hundred foreign-made components have been identified in such drones.
As a result of restrictions already imposed and Ukraine’s long-range sanctions against Russian oil refineries, a significant decline in Russian crude oil exports was recorded in July and August. Three of the five Iranian tankers destroyed by the United States had transported Russian oil last year.
“This once again proves that all terrorist regimes and countries cooperate with one another in every respect – militarily, in oil trade, and in circumventing financial transactions. Sanctions against Iran are useful one way or another, just as sanctions against the Russian Federation are,” the Advisor – Presidential Commissioner noted.
Vladyslav Vlasiuk said that in early September he visited the United States, where he held about 20 meetings with members of Congress and their staff to convey Ukraine’s position in support of the sanctions bill introduced by the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
“Tariffs, secondary sanctions, or sanctions against entities in third countries – those directly purchasing this oil – are very fair measures. And here we are actively advocating for the possibility of introducing new sanctions specifically against buyers of Russian oil. I would say that this idea in Graham’s bill of shifting the burden onto the buyers is absolutely right,” he said.
In addition, work is underway on an anti-ballistic sanctions package and the European Union’s 22nd sanctions package, targeting manufacturers and suppliers that contribute to the production of Russian ballistic missiles.