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26
September
2022

UK introduces sanctions against organizers of Russian sham referenda in occupied territories of Ukraine

KYIV. Sept 26 (Interfax-Ukraine) – The UK has announced a new package of sanctions in response to the sham referendums held by the Russian occupation forces in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, the press service of the UK government said.

"The sanctions target top Russian officials enforcing the illegal votes in four regions of Ukraine, as well as ‘Putin’s favorite PR agency’," it said.

The sanctions also hit oligarchs with a global net worth totaling GBP6.3 billion and board executives from major state-owned banks.

According to the statement, 94 individuals and entities, including 33 people directly involved in the organization of the ‘referenda’, were sanctioned. In particular, Yevhen Balytsky, the Russian installed head of the so-called government in Zaporizhia, who has been supporting the Russian invasion since March through public.

IMA Consulting, branded ‘Putin’s favorite PR agency’ has also been sanctioned.

In addition, London has sanctioned further four Russian businessmen: God Nisanov and Zarakh Iliev, known as the ‘Kings of Russian real estate’, Iskander Makhmudov, President and founder of Ural Mining and Metallurgic Company, and Igor Makarov, President and owner of ARETI International Group.

The new package of sanctions also includes 55 board members from state-linked organizations. Amongst those sanctioned are 23 individuals from the Gazprombank Board of Directors and Management Board, 16 members of the Sberbank Supervisory Board, Executive Board, and other Directors, and ten individuals from Sovcombank, including the Deputy Chairman and members of the Supervisory Board and Management Board.

As of today, the UK has sanctioned over 1,200 individuals and over 120 entities, including over 120 oligarchs with an estimated combined global net worth of over £130 billion, according to the government’s press release.