Fact Check: "Ukraine fully aligns with EU sanctions against Iran and Russia."
What We Know
Ukraine has officially declared its alignment with the European Union's sanctions against both Russia and Iran. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has fully synchronized its sanctions with the EU's 13th and 14th sanctions packages targeting Russia, and it will also align its sanctions with those imposed on Iran. Zelenskyy stated, "Our institutions have begun to implement the decision by the National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) on synchronising European and Ukrainian sanctions" (Kyiv Post). This synchronization includes measures against individuals and entities involved in military production and those responsible for internal repression in Iran, which Zelenskyy described as "one of the most brutal regimes in the world" (Kyiv Post).
The EU has been actively imposing sanctions against Russia in response to its military aggression against Ukraine, with additional sanctions adopted as recently as May 2025 (DETE). These sanctions are legally binding on EU member states and are designed to cut off Russia's access to military technology and energy revenues (DETE).
Analysis
The claim that Ukraine fully aligns with EU sanctions against Iran and Russia is supported by official statements from Ukrainian leadership and corroborated by EU actions. Zelenskyy's announcement indicates a formal commitment to align with EU sanctions, which is a significant step in Ukraine's foreign policy and its relationship with the EU (Kyiv Post).
The credibility of the sources is strong, as the statements come directly from the Ukrainian president and are reported by established news outlets like the Kyiv Post, which specializes in Ukrainian news (Kyiv Post). Furthermore, the EU's ongoing sanctions against Russia are well-documented and have been consistently reported across multiple reliable sources (DETE).
However, it is important to note that while the alignment is declared, the actual implementation and effectiveness of these sanctions in Ukraine's domestic context will depend on various factors, including the capacity of Ukrainian institutions to enforce these measures. The synchronization process is ongoing, as indicated by Zelenskyy, which suggests that full alignment may take time to materialize completely (Kyiv Post).
Conclusion
Verdict: True. Ukraine has officially aligned itself with the EU's sanctions against both Iran and Russia, as confirmed by President Zelenskyy's statements and the EU's established sanctions framework. The claim is supported by credible sources and reflects Ukraine's strategic decision to synchronize its sanctions with those of the EU, reinforcing its commitment to international norms and cooperation.
