Kyiv: Reports indicate that Ukraine is on the brink of reassessing its controversial ‘international war sponsors’ list, which identifies companies and individuals maintaining business ties with Russia. Diplomatic interventions, notably from China and France, alongside pressures from Austria and Hungary, are steering Kyiv’s reconsideration of this contentious roster.
Insiders reveal that China and France wield significant influence in prompting Ukraine’s potential policy shift regarding the list, curated by the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NAPC). Presently, the list encompasses approximately 50 entities, predominantly featuring Chinese corporations such as CNPC, Sinopec Group, and Alibaba, alongside notable French entities like Auchan, Leroy Merlin, Yves Rocher, and Bonduelle. Companies from the USA, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and others are also listed, including Bacardi, Nestle, Knauf, and Uniliver.
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The impending closure of the associated website on March 22, offering detailed insights on entities under Western sanctions, underscores a significant shift in policy. Despite its non-binding nature, the list has reportedly unsettled the named corporations, exacerbating challenges for Kyiv in garnering international support.
On March 20, Ukrainian officials announced their intent to halt the list’s maintenance, citing numerous requests from concerned partnering nations regarding the absence of a legal framework. The lack of regulatory support has impeded Ukraine’s ability to make decisive moves against Russia, as highlighted by the Foreign Ministry.
Moreover, the Ministry of Justice has criticized the dissemination of information lacking legislative backing, emphasizing the need for a more formalized approach. This collective scrutiny, both domestically and internationally, suggests a potential conclusion to the contentious list, illustrating the intricate balance between national interests and diplomatic relations on the global stage.
