The SBU submitted proposals to the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) to impose economic sanctions on instigators and 28 officers of the Russian special services promulgating Russian narrative and facilitating separatists in the temporarily occupied territories.On Friday, the NSDC made relevant decisions on sanctions.

"The sanctions, proposed by the SBU, target several areas. They are particularly focused on protection of citizens and counteracting Russian aggression and hybrid warfare. We work systematically and persistently on each area," said SBU Head Ivan Bakanov.

The NSDC decided to impose sanctions on four individuals, including Anatolii and Olha Sharii, and Ihor Huzhva. In addition, the sanctions target four entities relating to web resources directly or indirectly coordinated by the said individuals for anti-Ukrainian propaganda.

"Today's decision is a follow-up of the taken measures to protect the Ukrainian cyberspace. The SBU clearly distinguishes between freedom of speech and attacks against the statehood and sovereignty of Ukraine.
It is our duty to protect the national security and all its components, including cyber defense and the front line security in the east," stressed the SBU Head.

Moreover, restrictions are imposed against twelve legal entities, including Crimean and Sevastopol TV channels, news agencies and online media waging hybrid warfare against Ukraine.

Following SBU’s recommendations, sanctions will be imposed on six individuals and on the Detention Facility No. 1 in Crimea and Sevastopol for violations of fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens in the temporarily occupied territories.

The SBU Head emphasized that Ukraine should respond to regular searches and detentions of Crimean Tatars in Crimea in violation of the international law on indigenous peoples.

The sanctions also target six individuals and three entities involved in foreign influence operations and connected with former People's Deputy Andrii Derkach. Earlier, the individuals were sanctioned by the United States for interfering in the presidential elections.