"Urgency" on pause. For a year now, Draft Law № 12406 on the criminalization of sanctions violations has been gathering dust in parliament

One year ago, presidential Draft Law No. 12406 was registered in the Verkhovna Rada, with the Institute of Legislative Ideas among its drafters. The document was granted urgent status, prepared in line with EU Directive requirements and best international practices, and the National Security and Defense Council explicitly recommended that Parliament expedite its consideration.

However, after being adopted at first reading on June 3, 2025, the process effectively came to a halt. The draft law became hostage to political speculation. During preparation for the second reading, the relevant committee did not strengthen but instead weakened the legal framework for liability. Moreover, a condition for adopting the law as a whole became the inclusion of an amendment that effectively prohibits the application of sanctions against Ukrainian citizens.

This is not about protecting citizens, but about self-protection of the political class. Such an amendment has no analogues in international practice and directly weakens national security during wartime. In effect, it is an attempt to insure oneself through legislation, instead of improving the sanctions mechanism by ensuring its transparency and real possibilities for appealing sanctions and obtaining judicial protection.

More than ten civil society organizations have already appealed to the Verkhovna Rada, demanding the adoption of Draft Law No. 12406 and the removal of the dangerous amendments.

The Institute of Legislative Ideas consistently emphasizes: without real criminal liability, sanctions policy remains declarative. Restrictions can be circumvented virtually with impunity, allowing billions in assets to be siphoned out of Ukraine.

In wartime, Parliament must strengthen national security, not look for new loopholes and “exit routes” for itself.