Kyiv, Ukraine – July 28, 2025 – 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree approving a fresh round of sanctions against 53 individuals and entities from various countries, including China, Russia, and Iran. The move, part of Ukraine’s 18th sanctions package, aims to further disrupt Russia’s military-industrial complex and align Kyiv’s restrictive measures with those of its international partners.

The focus of these new sanctions is on companies involved in the extraction of rare-earth and critical metals. These materials are essential for producing advanced electronics, guidance systems, engines, and drones—all crucial components for modern warfare. Ukraine has consistently highlighted the presence of foreign-made components, particularly from China, in Russian weaponry and drones recovered from the battlefield. This latest package underscores Ukraine’s determination to cut off these vital supply lines.

China’s Swift Condemnation

Beijing wasted no time in strongly condemning Ukraine’s actions. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun, speaking today, urged Kyiv to “immediately correct its mistake” and “undo the negative effect.” Guo reiterated China’s long-standing opposition to “unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law” or UN Security Council authorization. He emphasized that China would “firmly safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.”

This sharp diplomatic rebuke from Beijing highlights the delicate balance Ukraine navigates as it seeks international support against Russian aggression while potentially straining relations with globally influential nations like China.

Syncing with International Efforts

A key element of Ukraine’s sanctions strategy is its ongoing effort to synchronize its measures with those of the European Union and G7 nations. President Zelenskyy’s office stated that this decree, like previous ones, aligns Ukrainian sanctions with the EU’s relevant packages, including the 9th through 18th sanctions packages. This synchronization aims to enhance the collective impact of the restrictive measures and prevent avenues for circumvention.

Ukraine has previously imposed sanctions on Russian, Chinese, and Belarusian companies implicated in drone production and sanctions evasion. This consistent approach underscores Kyiv’s commitment to holding all entities accountable, regardless of their origin, if they are perceived as enabling Russia’s war efforts.

Broader Implications of the Sanctions

By expanding the scope of its sanctions to include individuals and companies in countries like China and Iran, Ukraine signals its intent to disrupt the broader global networks supporting Russia’s military capabilities. While such actions carry diplomatic risks, particularly with major global players, for Kyiv, the imperative to degrade Russia’s military capacity and hold its enablers accountable remains paramount. Ukraine continues to advocate for a unified and robust international front against the ongoing aggression.