- 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
- As of 14 August 2014, he replaced Igor Strelkov/Girkin, as the so-called “Defence minister” of the “Donetsk People’s Republic”. He has reportedly commanded a division of separatist fighters in Donetsk since April 2014 and has promised to solve the strategic task of repelling Ukraine’s military aggression. Kononov has therefore supported actions and policies which undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Dismissed as so-called “Defence minister” in September 2018. Former Chief of the Directorate for Social Assistance to Retired Servicemen and Patriotic Education, under the so-called “Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic”.
- Source
- Switzerland SECO Sanctions List
- Last confirmed
- 19 Oct 2026