Zelensky Imposes Long-Term Sanctions Against Russian Nuclear Research Institute, Lasting Half a Century
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has officially signed a decree implementing comprehensive sanctions against one of Russia’s key scientific institutions — the United Institute of Nuclear Research (OЯIАД).
This decision responds to alarming reports about the institute’s involvement in military projects and cooperation with Russian security agencies, particularly the FSB, as confirmed by Ukrainian experts and international research.
The sanctions are set to remain in force for an unprecedented 50 years, making them among the most severe measures ever imposed on scientific entities in Ukraine’s recent history.Despite claims by Russian scientists and officials that they maintain neutrality, ongoing collaboration between OЯIАД and military structures, as well as participation in European and global scientific platforms, cast doubts on these assertions.
Ukrainian scientists and security analysts emphasize that this institute is a central component of Russia’s hybrid scientific operations, aimed at transforming research into a powerful tool for developing new weapons and advanced technologies.Research by experts like Boris Hryn’ov, director of the Scintillation Materials Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, highlights close ties between OЯIАД and Russian intelligence agencies, including the FSB, and its involvement in pro-Russian projects linked to the occupation of Ukrainian territories.
Although the institute continues publishing articles and participating in international conferences, its activities are viewed with suspicion regarding their contribution to Russian interests.Ukrainian international colleagues and experts insist that there are no grounds to exempt this institute from sanctions under Ukrainian law.
Cooperation with institutions connected to the aggressor country opens doors to new technologies and potentially facilitates their use in weapon development, posing a significant threat to national security.In conclusion, the introduction of such long-term sanctions signifies Ukraine’s firm stance to safeguard its interests in science and technology, sending a clear message to the global community about its resolve to combat Russian propaganda efforts and prevent the misuse of scientific research for military purposes.