- Programme
- Situation in Ukraine
- Designated
- Not published by this authority
- Legal basis
- Ordinance of 4 March 2022 on measures related to the situation in Ukraine (RS 946.231.176.72), Art. 15 para. 1 and 4 (Financial sanctions) and art. 29 para. 1 (Travel ban), annexe 8
- Stated grounds
- Leonid Kharchenko was commander of the “Reconnaissance Battalion” intelligence unit of the socalled “Donetsk People’s Republic” and took an active part in the separatist movement at an early stage of the armed conflict in Ukraine. He was found guilty by a Dutch court over the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 in 2014. In 2018, Kharchenko retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel from the “Donetsk People’s Republic” forces. He took part in local elections in Crimea following his recommendation to the Commission by the Crimean Republican branch of the “Communists of Russia”. These elections were in breach of Ukrainian law and therefore illegal. Therefore, Leonid Kharchenko is responsible for supporting and implementing actions and policies which undermine and threaten the territorial integrity sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
- Source
- Switzerland SECO Sanctions List
- Last confirmed
- 19 Oct 2026