KIEV, August 12 (RIA Novosti) – The Ukrainian parliament on Tuesday passed the first reading of a law that would allow Kiev to impose 29 different types of sanctions against Russia, including prohibiting the transit of energy resources through its territory.
“For the purposes of protecting national interests, national security, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and its economic independence … [Ukraine] may utilize special economic and other restrictive measures. Sanctions may be used by Ukraine against foreign states, foreign legal entities, [foreign] individuals and Ukrainian citizens,” the law reads.
Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers on Friday approved the bill, although its passing does not mean the economic and restrictive measures will automatically be implemented. The bill is still to go through its second reading later on Tuesday.
The new law would allow for the blocking of assets, limiting sales operations, and partially or fully halting flights and the transit of goods through Ukraine. The law would also give the government the right to annul or freeze licenses for certain types of activities, including mining and extracting operations.
The bill also suggests halting all joint projects and industrial programs, including in the security and defense sphere. The sanctions also imply the suspension of trade agreements, cultural exchanges and the cancellation of official visits. The bill stipulates the denial or abolition of visas to foreigners, as well as the possibility of entry bans.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk elaborated last week that the sanctions will affect individuals and companies that support and finance “separatism and terrorism.” According to the prime minister, the government is planning to submit a new sanctions list comprising 172 individuals and 65 legal entities to Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council for further consideration. The council could approve the blacklist as soon as this Wednesday.
