Ministry of Justice is working on a bill that provides for the introduction of criminal liability for violation of sanctions

The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine is working on the development of a bill that provides for the introduction of criminal liability for violation and circumvention of international sanctions. This will be an important step in strengthening the legal fight against sanctions violators, in particular, by introducing severe penalties, such as fines, imprisonment and confiscation of property.

According to the Ministry of Justice, this bill meets the requirements of the European Union and is aimed at bringing Ukrainian legislation closer to European standards. It is expected that the adoption of this document will help improve cooperation with international partners and ensure more effective control over the implementation of sanctions.

"This step is important for Ukraine's European integration. In April 2024, the European Union adopted the relevant Directive, which is mandatory for all member states. At the same time, it will become an important tool for preventing violations of sanctions and will contribute to filling the state budget," the Ministry of Justice noted.

According to the draft, the new norm will supplement the Criminal Code of Ukraine, introducing two types of sanctions violations: violation of sanctions (intentional or through negligence) and their circumvention (only intentional). The threshold for criminal liability for violation of sanctions is set at 100 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens (NMCI), which in 2025 is UAH 151,400.

In case of violation of sanctions, the draft law provides for a wide range of penalties. Thus, violators may face fines ranging from 25,000 to 120,000 NMD (from 37.85 million to 181.68 million UAH), imprisonment from 2 to 10 years, a ban on holding certain positions for up to 15 years, and confiscation of property, including liquidation of enterprises with confiscation of property for legal entities.

The Ministry of Justice emphasizes that similar laws have already been successfully applied in developed countries, such as the USA, Great Britain and Canada, and have proven their effectiveness in combating sanctions violators. This will allow Ukraine to strengthen its positions in the international arena and create additional mechanisms for compliance with the sanctions regime.