Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed an executive decree ordering various betting businesses active in Ukraine to cease operations in the country.

The decree was signed on Friday 10 March and implemented the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC), introducing ‘personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions)’.

According to Ukrainian media, 287 betting companies and 120 individuals have been targeted by the sanctions. The government has accused these firms of having Russian links and therefore acting against Ukraine’s interests.

Notable betting operators included in the sanctions include BetCity, Matchbet and most significantly Parimatch Ukraine, the most prominent Ukraine-founded business which is active in a range of countries.