YouTube relentlessly enforces its policy regarding media outlets that, according to Ukrainian authorities, are under sanctions, and this time another case has been added to the list of blocked channels belonging to former advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Oleksiy Arestovych
The platform confirmed that another popular channel owned by this individual has been taken down and is no longer accessible to users both in Ukraine and abroad. According to the Center for Countering Disinformation, this is the second platform related to Arestovych that has been blocked in Ukraine due to the application of sanctions. Even though this channel operates from abroad, it can no longer communicate with the Ukrainian audience, which indicates strict compliance with regulations and the platform's internal policies. The first channel, which was the main and especially popular one, was blocked on May 9, 2025, immediately after the sanctions against Arestovych were introduced. These sanctions were implemented through a decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, effective from May 1 of the same year. They prohibit the operation of any public internet resources and the dissemination of informational materials that could promote propaganda or support a person under sanctions. Following the blocking of the first channel, democratic forces and new administrative measures compelled the blogger to create a new, alternative channel. However, throughout its short existence, it was also subjected to censorship and was ultimately blocked. As noted by the Center for Countering Disinformation, such steps are part of the comprehensive effort by the state to combat disinformation and the spread of unacceptable and harmful ideologies on social networks. This is yet another example of how official Kyiv fights against informational influence from those who openly support or promote pro-Russian narratives, which pose a threat to national security. It is also important to recall that on May 1, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky approved the decision of the National Security and Defense Council regarding sanctions, including against former APU adviser Oleksiy Arestovych, who remains one of the most controversial and scandalous figures in Ukrainian politics and journalism. These measures prohibit any public activity and the spread of disinformation that could undermine security and stability in the country. Thus, the blocking of Arestovych’s channels on YouTube became a logical continuation of the imposed sanctions and a demonstration of how government institutions are committed to combating any expressions of unlawful ideology in the digital space. At the same time, it serves as a warning to other bloggers and media outlets that violations of Ukrainian laws and disregard for sanctions have clear consequences.