Ukraine has escalated sanctions targeting a broad spectrum of Russian gaming and lottery operators as part of its national security agenda. President Volodymyr Zelensky approved a decree implementing measures by the National Security and Defense Council, directing state authorities to enforce the new restrictions. The decree was publicly released on the presidential site and confirms the scope of the sanctions against a significant pool of bookmakers and related entities. This move follows the pattern of tightening financial controls and restricting access to critical assets held by entities connected to the Russian market. The sanctions are designed to reduce the operational capabilities of these firms within Ukrainian borders and to curb cross-border financial activities that could fund or enable the Russian gaming sector. Attribution: Ukrainian Presidency release and subsequent government briefings.
The roster includes a number of well-known bookmakers and lotteries operating in or connected to Russia. Among those named are Sportbet, Betsity, Matchbet, Betting Company Pari, Marathon, BC Olimp, and other firms. The Russian state lottery operator Sportloto also comes under restrictions. The inclusion of multiple operators signals a broad-based approach intended to limit revenues and impede the expansion of Russian gaming enterprises into Ukrainian markets. Attribution: Official sanction documents and government communications.
In addition to these firms, the Cyprus-registered Parimatch entity was placed under restrictive measures. The sanction period is defined in the decree, with durations varying from short-term to extended term sanctions, reflecting assessments of each entity’s activities and potential risk to Ukrainian economic interests. Attribution: Sanctions decree and related government analyses.
Alongside corporate sanctions, the action extends to 120 individuals tied to Russian interests or connected jurisdictions. The list includes citizens from Russia, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, Poland, Armenia, Turkey, and the Netherlands. These people face a long-term, if not permanent, designation on the sanctions list, reinforcing Kyiv’s commitment to targeting both corporate and personal assets that could support destabilizing activities. Attribution: Official sanctions list and ministry briefings.
The penalties imposed cover a broad spectrum of measures. They include freezing the assets of those named within Ukrainian jurisdiction, restricting their business operations, and limiting access to financial resources. The decree also prohibits participation in the privatization of state property and restricts economic and financial obligations that might otherwise enable sanctioned entities to function. The objective is to deprive these individuals and organizations of avenues to secure state rewards or incentives that could sustain their activities. Attribution: Sanctions framework and legal texts.
During an outreach on the international stage, Zelensky discussed the matter in a phone conversation with Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission. The dialogue touched on a range of topics, including EU anti Russian measures and the broader strategy of coordinating sanctions with European partners. The exchange underscores the ongoing effort to align Kyiv’s restrictive measures with Western policy instruments, aiming to maximize economic pressure on entities linked to Russian interests. Attribution: Public summaries of the March 9 conversation and official briefings.