Rada passes law allowing sanctions on aircraft and ships

On Wednesday, July 16, the Verkhovna Rada passed in the second reading and in full a law allowing sanctions to be imposed on aircraft and vessels. The bill was supported by 291 members of parliament.

According to the Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR), Russia’s shadow fleet — which enables it to bypass international sanctions — comprises at least 1,025 vessels.

"Current Ukrainian legislation allows for sanctions to be applied to legal entities and individuals but not to ships or aircraft. The proposed amendments address this gap by enabling sanctions to be imposed on specific vessels and aircraft, thereby strengthening Ukraine’s legal tools to counter Russian aggression," reads the explanatory note to draft law No. 13020.

Sanctions may be imposed if it is established that ships or aircraft are involved in activities that pose actual or potential threats to Ukraine’s national interests, national security, sovereignty, or territorial integrity.

The law will come into effect the day after its official publication.

• Since June 2024, when the EU adopted its 14th sanctions package, the European Union has routinely imposed restrictions on individual vessels contributing to Russia’s war efforts against Ukraine. These include bans on port access and the provision of services.
• In June and July 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a series of decrees to align Ukraine’s sanctions regime with the latest EU sanctions packages.