Zelensky signed a decree sanctioning Putin and his allies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree imposing sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, on Russian President Vladimir Putin and dozens of other top Russian officials.

The sanctioned officials include Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, veteran Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

The sanctions, imposed in the fourth month of the Ukrainian hostilities, do not appear to have much practical impact.

In the early stages of the war, Zelensky pushed for a meeting with Putin, but the idea was not welcomed by the Russian side.

Peace talks are currently frozen, and Ukraine is lobbying the European Union to impose a seventh package of sanctions on Russia.

“Russia seems to aim to fight in Ukraine to the end, of course, sanctions pressure needs to be increased,” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Wednesday.