ILI Chairwoman spoke on Ukrainian Radio about why Draft Law № 12406 has remained under consideration in the Verkhovna Rada for a year

Despite Russia’s aggression since 2014, Ukrainian legislation still lacks provisions for administrative and criminal liability for violations of sanctions. This was stated by Tetiana Khutor, Head of the Institute of Legislative Ideas, on the air of Ukrainian Radio.

“For 12 years, Ukraine has failed to introduce criminal liability for evading sanctions, as is required, in particular, by the EU from its member states. At the same time, the existing sanctions law is a framework law and does not regulate these issues,” the expert added.

She noted that for a year now, the relevant Draft Law No. 12406 on the criminalization of sanctions violations, submitted by the President of Ukraine as urgent, has remained under consideration in the Verkhovna Rada. In addition, by a separate presidential decree, Parliament was explicitly recommended to expedite the review of this draft law.

According to the Head of the ILI, harmful amendments were introduced to the document by deputies ahead of the second reading, making its adoption impossible.

“The amendment prohibiting the imposition of sanctions on Ukrainian citizens blocked the further adoption of the draft law. This issue highlighted the shortcomings of our sanctions policy that must be addressed,” Tetiana Khutor emphasized.

She also noted that no country in the world restricts itself from imposing sanctions on its own citizens, as they can pose a threat to national security just like anyone else.