Nearly 100 individuals and companies were recently sanctioned by Ukraine for their alleged links with Russia. Although the desire of Ukraine to end all ties with Russia is understandable, there are some entities that were sanctioned in error. Parimatch is one example.
This example is similar to the inclusion of PokerMatch on the list. This company has just issued a statement about the matter, expressing its love for Ukraine and asking it to reconsider its decision. The Ukraine Gambling Council (UGC), which asked the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine for a reconsideration of its position, has now also taken action.
Anton Kuchukhidze is the chairman of UGC. He believes Parimatch Ukraine to be far from a pro Russian company. He also supported PokerMatch, claiming both companies were wrongly listed on the list of sanctioned businesses.
Kuchukhidze affirmed that Parimatch is pro-Ukraine and PokerMatch are pro-Ukraine
Kuchukhidze detailed the situation in a LinkedIn statement. Kuchukhidze acknowledged that the National Security and Defense Council wanted to protect the local market against “ruscists” brands. However, Kuchukhidze claims that the Defense Council mistakenly included pro–Ukraine companies on the list.
Parimatch is a pro-Russian business, the chair stated. Parimatch was pro-Ukrainian from the beginning and has been a valuable financial support to the nation’s defense and security forces. At the time this article was written, Parimatch had donated more than $13.6 million to these causes.
Kuchukhidze stated that tax inconsistencies should be addressed by the tax service and the court. Kuchukhidze believes that harsh measures can make mistakes more difficult to avoid.
The chair stated that legal gambling would prevail.
Aside from that, I want to ask the media and the public to not accept the idea that illegal gambling businesses can cause the collapse of reforms or the closing of the white market. Legal gambling businesses will be able to pass all trials with dignity.
Anton Kuchukhidze, chair, UGC
Parimatch, an original Kyiv-based business, has reached out to President Zelensky regarding the recent sanctions. The National Security and Defense Council has banned 287 companies and 120 people from doing business in the country over the next 50 years.
This cruel measure is taken amid a war of attrition in which Ukraine fights for survival against Russian invaders.
