Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak met with Special Envoy for the Implementation of EU Sanctions David O'Sullivan, who arrived in Ukraine on a visit.
Andriy Yermak thanked David O'Sullivan for his work to support Ukraine and ensure compliance with the sanctions imposed on Russia.
"Thank you for everything you do for us, for helping Ukraine. I am convinced that sanctions are a very powerful weapon," the Head of the Presidential Office said.
Andriy Yermak noted that the EU should engage the Ukrainian team more actively in sanctions activities, as the Ukrainian side has information about individuals close to Russia's military and political leadership who are directly involved in the war against Ukraine or support Russian aggression. As an example, he mentioned the recent public calls by Russian propagandists for the destruction of Ukrainian equipment and promises of "rewards" for such actions.
"We expect these propagandists to be subject to sanctions. I think this is very important," said the Head of the Presidential Office.
He also emphasized the readiness of the Ukrainian side to join the sanctions efforts against third countries that continue to support Russia. According to Andriy Yermak, Ukraine is currently building relations with the countries of the Global South and informing these countries about Russia's attempts to use them to circumvent sanctions.
"We are ready to work 24/7, collect evidence and necessary documents, coordinate actions and put pressure on these countries," the Head of the Presidential Office stated.
According to the Head of the Presidential Office, such work is especially important in the context of stopping the re-export of military-industrial technologies and components from third countries to Russia, which still allows it to produce missiles and continue to shell Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure.
"Let's work more closely, work as a team. We are very open and interested in making this work effective," emphasized Andriy Yermak.
The interlocutors also discussed the prospects of introducing the new 11th EU sanctions package. Its priorities include ensuring the implementation and compliance with sanctions, as well as countering their circumvention; creating legal instruments to impose sanctions against third countries that deliberately facilitate the circumvention of EU sanctions. It also considers the expansion of bans on dual-use goods and military-industrial complex technologies. In addition, it is envisaged to expand personal sanctions on propagandists, military personnel and those involved in the forced displacement and abduction of Ukrainian children, etc.
David O'Sullivan, for his part, informed Andriy Yermak about his contacts with the leaders of the countries he had visited recently and the results of negotiations on measures to restrict trade in arms and dual-use goods with Russia. He assured that the European Union will continue to help Ukraine for as long as it takes. He also expressed hope that the 11th sanctions package would be approved in the near future.
"We thank you for what your military and your President are doing. We support you because we understand that everything that is happening is not only about Ukraine and for Ukraine. It is about the future of this entire continent. We thank you and everyone in your country for everything you are doing," the Special Envoy for the Implementation of EU Sanctions emphasized.