Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has officially addressed a public petition aimed at lifting sanctions imposed on Parimatch, a prominent gambling operator in the country. These sanctions were initiated earlier this year in response to alleged illicit activities.
The Sanctions Against Parimatch:
On March 11th of this year, the Ukrainian government suspended all business-to-consumer (B2C) operations of Parimatch within the country. This drastic measure followed an extensive investigation by government authorities into the company’s activities. President Zelenskyy, in a statement regarding the sanctions, highlighted the gravity of the situation, revealing that more than 280 companies and 120 individuals were implicated. These entities were accused of conducting illicit gambling operations that allegedly undermined Ukraine’s interests by siphoning funds out of the state and supporting questionable Russian schemes. The decision to impose sanctions, President Zelenskyy emphasized, was meticulously considered and aimed at dismantling complex financial structures potentially worth tens of billions of dollars.
The ‘Lift Sanctions against Parimatch’ Petition:
In June, a petition titled ‘Lift sanctions against Parimatch’ was created by Kuropiatnyk Irina Viktorovna, aiming to reverse the 50-year ban on Parimatch. The petition gained significant traction, amassing over 25,000 signatures from concerned citizens and supporters of the gambling operator. These signatures were subsequently delivered to President Zelenskyy for his attention and response.
President Zelenskyy’s Response:
In his official response, President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to all those who participated in the petition, acknowledging their active civic engagement. He invoked the Ukrainian Constitution, specifically part two of Article 19, which outlines the responsibilities of state and local government bodies and officials. According to this constitutional provision, these entities are obligated to operate strictly within the confines of the law.
The President went on to explain the legal framework underpinning the sanctions and their imposition. He noted that he had forwarded the matter to Prime Minister Dmytro Shmyhal for a comprehensive examination of the issues raised within the petition. President Zelenskyy indicated that, if justified, the government would take necessary actions in response to the petition’s content. He assured the author of the petition and the public that they would be informed of the outcomes through the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
The response of President Zelenskyy to the ‘Lift sanctions against Parimatch’ petition underscores the importance of civic engagement and adherence to constitutional principles in Ukraine. The controversy surrounding the sanctions imposed on Parimatch remains a topic of significant debate and scrutiny, with the government pledging to thoroughly investigate the concerns raised by the petitioners. As Ukraine navigates this complex issue, it remains to be seen whether the sanctions will be lifted, modified, or upheld, ultimately shaping the future of the country’s gambling industry.