**Ukraine Cracks Down on Russian Propaganda and Shadow Fleet**
In a move to strengthen its stance against Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed decrees imposing new sanctions on 71 individuals and 18 media outlets accused of spreading pro–Kremlin propaganda. Additionally, 59 people have been targeted for their alleged involvement in the so-called Russian shadow fleet, which Moscow is said to use to circumvent Western sanctions and continue exporting oil and gas.
The sanctions lists include well-known figures such as Artem Marchevskyi, a Ukrainian media manager who used to work at pro-Kremlin oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk’s TV channel. Marchevskyi fled Ukraine after being accused of running a Moscow-paid propaganda network with Medvedchuk from Prague. The EU had previously sanctioned the duo and their website, Voice of Europe.
Other notable individuals on the list include Aleksandr Sladkov, Daniil Bezsonov, and Stanislav Smagin, who are accused of spreading war propaganda for Russia. Media outlets such as EurAsia Daily, Readovka, and Pravda.ru have also been targeted for their alleged role in disseminating Russian propaganda.
The sanctions will impose economic and civil penalties on the individuals and entities involved, including asset freezes, trade restrictions, and prohibitions on property acquisition.
**A Growing List of Sanctions**
This move by Zelensky comes as part of a larger effort to increase pressure on those who justify Russia’s actions. In January, Zelensky had slapped sanctions on Ukrainian politicians and media personalities accused of spreading Russian narratives for years. The new decrees demonstrate a continued commitment to combating Russian propaganda and the shadow fleet.
**The Shadow Fleet: A Tool for Evading Sanctions?**
The sanctioned entities are accused of being part of Moscow’s effort to circumvent Western sanctions by exporting oil and gas through a network of ships. Two Chinese captains of the shadow fleet have been named on the list, highlighting the global nature of Russia’s efforts to evade economic penalties.
Zelensky has warned that more sanctions are expected soon, signaling a continued crackdown on those who spread Russian propaganda or collaborate with Moscow in any way.
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