Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s Office of the President, has called for the imposition of secondary sanctions on countries and entities that continue to purchase Russian energy resources. His remarks come as part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on Russian energy and exert pressure on the Kremlin. The proposed sanctions would target not only the tanker fleet but also the buyers of Russian energy, aiming to disrupt the flow of profits to Moscow while accelerating the end of the war in Ukraine.
The move is seen as a continuation of Ukraine’s efforts to isolate Russia economically, following the imposition of primary sanctions by Western allies. The secondary sanctions would create an additional layer of economic pressure by penalizing countries that still engage in energy trade with Russia, even if they are not directly involved in the conflict. Yermak emphasized that these sanctions are necessary to cut off financial support for the Russian war machine and to force a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Analysts suggest that the targeted sanctions could have a significant impact on global energy markets, particularly as some countries continue to rely on Russian oil and gas. The measures are also expected to further strain relations between Russia and its remaining trading partners, potentially leading to more international economic pressure on Moscow. Yermak’s remarks underscore Ukraine’s determination to leverage financial tools as a means of achieving a political and military outcome in the war.
Despite the potential economic consequences, Yermak remains committed to the strategy, highlighting its necessity in the fight for Ukraine’s sovereignty. The proposed sanctions represent a strategic shift in Ukraine’s approach to countering Russian aggression, emphasizing the use of economic leverage as a key component of its overall war effort.