On 14 August, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed a bill on sanctions. The corresponding decision saw 244 votes in favor.

Ukraine’s PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk stressed that this is a framework bill that "provides the right for the Ukrainian state to protect its national interests."

"In case of a threat to the national security of the Ukrainian state, the Ukrainian President through the National Security and Defense Council shall have the right to impose a range of sanctions such as those imposed by our Western partners, the EU, USA and G7,"  stated the PM.

Before the vote, the Prime Minister informed that some controversial articles, including the possibility of the restriction and prohibition of postal services, ban and restriction on TV and radio broadcasts, restriction or termination of media activities, restriction and ban on the production of the printed media, and other information materials, were withdrawn from the list of sanctions envisaged by the bill.

"We believe that such decisions can be taken only by the courts of Ukraine in accordance with the laws as well as the Constitution," underlined Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

Also the comments of MPs concerning the range of entities liable to sanctions have been taken into account. "Sanctions may be applied by Ukraine to foreign states, businesses and non-resident individuals that are under the control of these people".

The Parliament has introduced a proposal that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine shall have the authority to approve a President’s decree on the introduction of sanctions, if such a decree is adopted in relation to a country or to an indefinite range of entities.

"If the decree is accepted, as we now propose, on the application of sanctions against specific individuals and legal entities - and the Government has prepared a list of 172 Russian citizens and citizens of other countries that undermine the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine, and 65 mostly Russian companies that finance terrorism and supported the annexation of the Crimea – then such a decree should be adopted by a decision of the National Security and Defence Council," noted Arseniy Yatsenyuk.

He stressed that the law on sanctions, which has been adopted today, is aimed at protecting the Ukraine, it gives a clear answer to any aggressors, terrorists that pose a threat to national security, the Ukrainian state as well as Ukrainians.

As a reminder, today, the Parliament has adopted a law on the reform of Ukraine’s GTS, which envisages the modernization and operation of Ukrainian GTS along with European and American partners.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine thanked the MPs for effective and harmonious work and stressed that "today, Ukraine has taken a step toward energy independence and defended itself."