Zelensky officially introduces coordination of sanctions measures with international partners
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on the implementation of the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), which aims to increase sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation through coordinated and synchronized restrictive measures with Ukraine's partner countries, in particular with the European Union and the Group of Seven countries. The document, officially published on the official website of the head of state, emphasizes the strategic importance of this initiative in the fight against Russian aggression and aims to achieve the most severe consequences for the aggressor country, taking into account the global coordination of sanctions policy. The decree is based on the NSDC decision of June 27, 2025, which provides for coordination of sanctions measures with Ukraine's international partners. According to this decision, all sanctions approved by the relevant states and associations must be sent for consideration and approval by the Ukrainian Security Council no later than 15 days from the date of adoption of similar decisions by foreign entities. Thus, Ukraine seeks to ensure the effective implementation of international restrictions on its territory, systematizing sanctions and laying the foundation for strengthening unity in countering the Kremlin's aggression. The Prime Minister's Office, the Security Service of Ukraine, the National Bank and the Prosecutor General's Office have been instructed to strengthen coordination in the area of sanctions policy. In particular, the government and special services must ensure the fastest possible adaptation and implementation of international restrictions into domestic Ukrainian legislation. This is aimed not only at increasing economic pressure on Russia, but also at limiting its military-industrial potential as much as possible - a key aspect in Kyiv's system of measures against Russian invasion. The main goal of such a strategic step is to create the most stringent and coordinated sanctions that will make it difficult for the Russian regime to operate and increase pressure on the Kremlin’s political leadership. This is a response to large-scale Russian crimes and aggressive policies that have been going on for years. At the same time, official Kyiv circles emphasize that the signed decree is part of a broader international campaign aimed at involving European and world partners in the sanctions isolation of Russia and reducing its military-industrial potential. On the other hand, not all European Union countries and world allies demonstrate unanimity in imposing sanctions packages. In particular, on June 19, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced his intentions to coordinate sanctions with international partners and expand pressure on the Russian energy sector in order to further weaken the economy of the Kremlin regime. However, at this time, the EU continues to be dissatisfied with the approval of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that his country will demand a postponement of the vote or will veto this initiative altogether. Given the situation, the Ukrainian authorities insist on strengthening international solidarity in matters of sanctions policy, considering it an important tool in the fight for the return of peace and security in Ukraine. Expanding cooperation with Western and European partners and coordinated actions on sanctions should help to effectively disrupt Russia's ability to wage war and maximally undermine its military-industrial potential. This gives hope that further steps by the Ukrainian authorities in this direction will become an important component of the global strategy to counter Russian aggression and restore peace in Ukraine.