Ukraine Blocks Pro-Russian Television Channels

Ukraine and Belarus are prime examples for studying the Kremlin’s tactics in creating and supporting a pro-Russian lobby. The use of sanctions against individuals and their media assets, especially when they are supported by Western sanctions, can lead to the erosion of Russian influence.

The work of pro-Russian media in Ukraine is directly related to the Kremlin’s use of Ukrainian oligarchs to achieve its own political and economic goals. The Kremlin is involved in creating financial schemes that convert money earned into increased political influence.

Likewise, Moscow is increasing its influence on Belarus and is using Belarusian businessmen – ‘purses’ – from Lukashenka’s circle. Research shows that the Belarusian and Ukrainian business groups used by the Kremlin are directly related to each other or are involved in the same schemes.

On February 2, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi signed a decree on the imposing of sanctions against deputy Taras Kozak of Ukraine’s Opposition Platform – For Life (Опозиційна платформа — За життя) party of the Verkhovna Rada and the television stations 112 Ukraine, NewsOne, and ZIK, which he formally owns.