The sanctions roadmap developed by the International Working Group on Sanctions against Russia chaired by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and Director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), Former US National Security Adviser, Ambassador Michael McFaul is 60% completed. The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine said this during an online conversation with representatives of leading European media, in which members of the Yermak-McFaul group also took part.
"Just four months ago, all this seemed unbelievable. Two months ago something became possible. Today it has become inevitable. We are making every effort so that tomorrow the implementation of all the recommendations of our group will become complete," he emphasized.
Andriy Yermak noted that the goal of the international sanctions group, which was established at the initiative of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is to turn Russia into a paper tiger with a cardboard sword.
"The economy is the blood of war. Money is a weapon both literally and figuratively. It is necessary to deal a devastating blow to the economy of the aggressor, to deprive him of money. Figuratively speaking, replace its steel with cardboard," explained the Head of the President's Office.
Andriy Yermak recalled that the expert group developed four thorough documents: the sanctions Roadmap and detailed sets of recommendations regarding energy, individual and financial restrictions.
"Each of these documents is the result of the joint work of many world-class experts. The materials are handed over to the leaders of the sanctions coalition. These are primarily the USA, Britain, Australia and the EU. Officials there use them when preparing sanctions packages," he said.
The Head of the President's Office also expressed his belief that certain conversations about "fatigue from sanctions" are information manipulations, which testify to the undeniable success and effectiveness of the activities of the International Sanctions Group.
Co-chair of the group Michael McFaul noted that sanctions are one of the tools that can help end Russia's heinous war against Ukraine.
He noted that the working group currently has more than 60 members from different countries.
"These are the best experts who are working on sanctions against Russia so that the international sanctions regime is comprehensive," Michael McFaul emphasized.
European journalists asked members of the group questions related to the effectiveness of sanctions, their impact on Western countries, how European states can increase pressure on Russia and help Ukraine, as well as secondary sanctions.
Andriy Yermak noted that our state is actively working on the problem of bypassing restrictions and is conducting extensive diplomatic and geopolitical work for this.
For his part, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Rostyslav Shurma added that the issue of secondary sanctions is one of the main priorities for the Yermak-McFaul group for the near term, as it is the most effective means of combating the circumvention of restrictions.
Andriy Yermak also emphasized that Ukraine's victory in the war waged against it by Russia will be a combination of many elements, primarily the heroism of the Ukrainian military and other citizens, success on the front and economic pressure in the form of powerful sanctions.
In addition, he emphasized that our state should have a strong position at the negotiations with which all wars ultimately end. There can also be no compromises regarding the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
