Head of the Institute of Legislative Ideas, Tetiana Khutor, commented on the EU’s adoption of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia

Sanctions should not only weaken Russia but also strengthen Ukraine’s financial capacity. This was stated by the Head of the Institute of Legislative Ideas, Tetiana Khutor, during a broadcast on Suspilne TV, commenting on the approval of the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia.

“EU Member States are required to implement into their national legislation provisions criminalizing violations of sanctions. In addition, they have the possibility to transfer part of the proceeds from confiscated assets and fines imposed on sanctions violators to the country affected by aggression. For us, it is important to focus now on ensuring that Ukraine receives such funds,” the expert said.

Tetiana Khutor added that the anti-Russian sanctions introduced by the EU require significant resources for effective implementation and enforcement. According to her, thousands of cases of sanctions violations are recorded every year.

“The Institute of Legislative Ideas analyzes cases of sanctions evasion and the punishment of violators. It is necessary not only to stop violations but also to impose financial penalties on those responsible. And, most importantly, we need to introduce the practice of transferring part of the recovered funds to support Ukraine,” the ILI Head emphasized.

As an example, she recalled the confiscation and transfer to Ukraine of $5.5 million from the assets of Russian oligarch Konstantin Malofeyev, who had evaded sanctions in the United States. However, the EU has not yet applied the compensatory mechanism of sanctions to reimburse damages.

“By circumventing European rules, sanctions violators facilitate Russia’s aggression, effectively becoming its direct accomplices. Accordingly, Ukraine, as the victim of this crime, should receive compensation from the seized funds of such individuals,” Tetiana Khutor believes.

The ILI Head noted that the relevant provision allowing the recovery of funds from sanctions violators in favor of the affected party was introduced into EU legislation only in 2025. At the same time, she expects the first results of this compensatory function of sanctions already this year. For its part, Ukraine, which needs funding, should remind its European partners of the importance of implementing this instrument.

“We must actively provide information on cases of sanctions evasion, as well as monitor recoveries and fines. This should be done so that various Ukrainian social projects – including the rehabilitation of military personnel and assistance to victims – can be financed from funds recovered from sanctions violators,” Tetiana Khutor concluded.