PRESS RELEASE : Head of President’s Office discusses new opportunities to strengthen sanctions against Russia with US national security lawyer

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 27 April 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a video conference with former Director of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Attorney John E. Smith focusing on national security and sanctions.

Smith and his company advise Ukraine on sanctions free of charge, focusing on blocking the Russian Federation’s assets and imposing personal restrictions.

“Sanctions and weapons are very important to us. But we understand that when this terrible war continues and Russia continues to kill our people, destroy our cities, the sanctions that have already been imposed will not be enough. We know about your extensive experience and understanding of this issue, awareness of the specifics of Russia, so we will be interested to hear your opinion on opportunities to increase sanctions pressure,” Yermak said.

For his part, Smith said that he considers it an honor to work with the team of the President of Ukraine and help our country in this difficult time.

He stressed the importance of establishing close and continued contact between the Ukrainian side and the administration of US President Joseph Biden.

Smith noted the plan developed by the Yermak-McFaul group to strengthen sanctions against Russia. According to him, the document should be divided according to priorities in the energy and financial sectors.

In addition, according to the US attorney, it is important to achieve the introduction of secondary sanctions.

“I fully agree with the identified priorities. We have the historical support of Ukraine in the United States. That is why it is important to continue this work,” Yermak said.