Russia has just passed a law that could significantly impact Ukraine’s economy. This Law, known as the “Law on Countering Unconstitutional Actions of Foreign States,” allows the Russian government to impose economic sanctions on nations that break their agreements with Russia. This new Law could significantly impact Ukraine because it concerns trade and economic relationships with other countries. It could also hurt the Ukrainian government financially because it would restrict its access to foreign capital and loans. Ukraine is not the only nation Russia has threatened with sanctions in light of recent events in Crimea. The Russian government has also imposed sanctions against members of the European Union and the United States, accusing them of supporting the Ukrainian government in its conflict with Russia. This new Law is likely only the beginning of Russia’s sanctions campaign against Ukraine. As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to grow, businesses and citizens in both nations will need to be prepared for potential financial hardship.
Background of the Law
On July 16, 2017, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a bill with significant implications for Ukraine. The Law on the Border of Russia and Ukraine establishes a demarcation line between Russia and Ukraine along their shared border. The Law also creates a special economic zone called the “New Economic Zone” (NEZ) in the Crimea region of Ukraine, allowing Russian companies to operate with fewer restrictions than those currently in Ukraine.
The purpose of the NEZ is to boost economic development in the Crimea region, which Russia annexed in March 2014 following its illegal referendum on self-rule. The annexation was controversial due to allegations of voter fraud and human rights abuses by Russian forces during the takeover. The United States, European Union (EU), and other international bodies have consistently condemned the annexation as an unlawful act that has negatively affected Ukrainian citizens living in the Crimea region.
Both sides of the Ukraine conflict, as an obstacle to negotiations over a resolution to the conflict, have criticized the Law on the Border of Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian officials argue that it entrenches Russian control over parts of eastern Ukraine where fighting continues despite ceasefire agreements reached between Moscow and Kyiv in September 2015 and February 2018. On the other hand, pro-Russian separatists have complained that the Law unfairly benefits Kyiv while penalizing them for supporting independence from Moscow.
How It Affects Ukraine
The Russian parliament passed a new law that bans “propaganda of homosexuality” and provides up to three years in prison for violators. The Law has been widely criticized as homophobic and discriminatory, with human rights groups warning that it could lead to attacks against LGBT people.
The Law has already led to harassment and discrimination against LGBT people in Russia, with reports of abuse from straight and gay people. In one alarming case, a transgender woman was attacked and then killed after being out to her family.
The new Law could further amplify these problems by legitimizing persecution and violence against LGBT people. It will also make it more difficult for the Russian government to crack down on hate crimes against LGBT people since prosecuting offenders could now be seen as engaging in propaganda.
What to Expect Next
What to Expect Next
After Russia passed a new law that gives the government more control over the media, some Ukrainians are concerned about what this means for their country. The Law requires media outlets that receive more than 50 per cent of their funding from outside sources to register as “foreign agents” and disclose their funding sources. It could mean that many independent news outlets in Ukraine would be forced to close.
Ukrainian journalists have also expressed concerns about another part of the Law, which allows the government to block websites containing information that is “harmful to state security or public order.” we could use this to censor political dissent.
The new Law has already led to protests in Kyiv and other cities and will likely provoke further unrest in Russia Ukraine news.
Conclusion
The new Law in Russia that imposes sanctions on Ukraine has caused controversy and concern. Sanctions are intended to punish the Ukrainian government for its actions in the recent conflict, but they have also hurt the Russian economy. The Russian parliament is now debating whether or not to extend the sanctions and how hard we should hit them. While this new Law may cause more friction between Russia and Ukraine, it is crucial to remember that both countries have a long history of political tensions.
