Today, 12 November, MPs backed Resolution No. 15533 on imposing sanctions against members of Russia’s regional parliaments for aiding aggression against Ukraine.
As seen from the live broadcast of the sitting, 236 MPs voted in favour.
The document provides for approving and submitting to the NSDC proposals on applying personal restrictive measures against deputies of all Russia’s regional parliaments, as they actively support Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and facilitate the occupation of Ukrainian territories.
The explanatory note states that regional legislative assemblies provide legal, financial and ideological support for the war. In particular, they channel local budget funds to meet the needs of the Russian army, supply military equipment and support occupation administrations in seized Ukrainian territories. Regional parliaments also adopt decisions on payments to contract soldiers, volunteers and mobilised personnel, as well as social benefits for their families, thereby encouraging the public to take part in the war.
A separate line of activity is propaganda support for the Kremlin: legitimising the occupation, justifying the aggression, spreading disinformation and inciting hatred towards Ukraine and Ukrainians.
Russia’s regional authorities also take part in implementing the policy of deporting Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied territories to Russia and creating propaganda cover for it. In addition, they facilitate the integration of participants in the war against Ukraine into Russia’s political system, including by supporting their election to regional parliaments and the State Duma.
The aim of the resolution is to create grounds for the NSDC to adopt a decision on applying sanctions to the individuals listed in five annexes to the draft, for actions that pose a threat to Ukraine’s national interests, security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The proposed sanctions package includes stripping Ukrainian state awards, asset freezes, restrictions on trade operations, transit, transportation and financial transactions, suspension of licences and permits, and a ban on media distribution, participation in public procurement and privatisation. Restrictions are also envisaged on securities, the transfer of technologies and intellectual property, cultural, scientific, educational and sporting cooperation, visas, immigration and the right to own land.