Zelenskyy imposes new sanctions on Russia, Belarus

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Wednesday that he imposed sanctions against Russia and Belarus.

Zelenskyy accused Russian officials of being involved in the "abduction" of Ukrainian children, and the vessels of being part of the "shadow fleet," citing the allegations as a reason for sanctions.

"Today, there are new sanctions decisions of Ukraine – against Russian entities​​​​​​​ involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children, and against ships of the Russian shadow fleet," he said on Telegram.

Zelenskyy specified that 23 vessels were put on the blacklist without specifying the number of sanctioned officials.

"We are also preparing another special sanctions package for the near future," he said.

Zelesnkyy later published another statement, saying the package includes restrictions against Belarus.

"I have already signed a new package of sanctions..., including against entities from Belarus," it said.

Zelenskyy said in a separate statement on Telegram that Kyiv is working on organizing another exchange of prisoners of war with Russia.