Newsletter of the main news 05.10/11.10

1. International Sanctions Policy

 

The Hague court has ordered Russia to pay PrivatBank more than $327 million in compensation for assets lost in occupied Crimea. The award covers damages, accrued interest and legal costs; interest will continue to accrue until Russia pays the full amount.

 

The Netherlands is seeking stronger powers to counter Russia’s shadow fleet. Proposed legislation would allow authorities to detain vessels sailing under false flags, require them to proceed to port for inspection and, in certain circumstances, seize them. The bill would also increase penalties for falsely flying the Dutch flag.

 

The US Treasury has authorised certain transactions involving Russian diesel fuel until 7 April 2027. The exemption covers specified shipments loaded onto tankers from 9 October 2026, but does not lift restrictions on funds held at US financial institutions belonging to Russia’s Central Bank, National Wealth Fund or Ministry of Finance.

 

The Baltic states have called on the EU to ban the transit of Russian grain through its territory. The proposal is intended to increase economic pressure on Russia and limit its access to European transport infrastructure for agricultural exports.

 

The EU has lifted sanctions against Russian billionaire Mikhail Gutseriev and Belarusian businessman Alexander Shevtsov. The decision removes restrictions previously imposed on the two individuals under the EU’s sanctions regime.

 

The UK has introduced a new sanctions package targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, Kremlin disinformation networks and individuals involved in the torture of Ukrainian civilians and the militarisation of children. The measures also target people involved in spreading pro-Kremlin propaganda.

 

The European Union has extended sanctions for another year against individuals and entities involved in Russian hybrid attacks. The restrictions target activities considered to undermine security, stability and democratic processes within the EU and beyond.

 

Lithuania wants to ban the transit of Russian grain through the EU and is tightening checks on its origin. Vilnius is also considering sanctions against Russian agricultural oligarchs who support the war and is checking whether stolen Ukrainian grain is entering European supply routes.

 

US senators have urged the Trump administration to use the sanctions tools provided under the Graham Act against Russia. The senators called for stronger action against the shadow fleet, financial networks and supply channels for dual-use goods and advanced electronic components routed through third countries.

 

Two German parties are drafting a resolution calling for an end to aid for Ukraine and the lifting of sanctions against Russia. The initiative reflects the position of some political forces in Germany, but drafting the document does not mean that the proposed changes have been adopted.

 

The European Parliament has called for greater pressure on China over what European lawmakers describe as Beijing’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine. The call highlights the need to respond to assistance that may support Russia’s military production and undermine the effectiveness of sanctions.

 

Latvia plans to declare a pro-Russian journalist persona non grata. The move forms part of Latvia’s response to activities it considers a threat to national security.

 

Ursula von der Leyen is insisting that the EU completely phase out Russian gas by the end of 2027. The policy is intended to reduce the bloc’s energy dependence on Russia and curb Kremlin revenue from energy exports.

 

2. Sanctions Violations and Circumvention

 

The EU has imported a record 12 million tonnes of Russian liquefied natural gas since the beginning of the year. The figures highlight how Russia continues to generate energy-export revenue from the European market despite sanctions pressure.

 

Lower Saxony has become the focus of debate over plans to expand a nuclear-fuel facility because of its links to Russia. Opponents of the expansion have raised concerns about dependence on Russia’s nuclear sector and questioned the case for deepening such cooperation.

 

South Korea has come under scrutiny following reports that more than 176,000 tonnes of diesel fuel were shipped to Russia in July and August. According to a Guardian investigation, some shipments were carried by vessels under UK and EU sanctions. Seoul has denied violating its own restrictions and said it is examining the circumstances.

 

A man from Kherson has been linked to an alleged scheme to help Russia circumvent sanctions when purchasing vessels from the EU. According to the report, the man helped organise purchases that may have breached restrictions; the allegations should be understood in the context of the status of the investigation.

 

Agricultural tycoons from Kaliningrad are at the centre of a report examining profits earned in the EU and alleged funding for Russia’s war against Ukraine. The story raises questions about European commercial links and possible gaps in sanctions enforcement involving businesspeople connected to Russia.

 

Russian research institutes are reportedly being used by Russia to obtain Western technology for its defence industry in circumvention of restrictions. The alleged scheme raises concerns that scientific and research institutions may be acting as intermediaries for acquiring dual-use technology.

 

Berlin prosecutors are investigating possible sanctions violations by tenants operating inside the Russian House in Berlin. Although the cultural centre was slated for closure, a bookshop, canteen and visa agency continue to operate in the building. Since the Russian House is linked to the EU-sanctioned Rossotrudnichestvo agency, payments that benefit it may breach EU sanctions rules.

 

3. Ukraine’s Sanctions Policy

 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has enacted the National Security and Defence Council’s decision on new sanctions against Russia. The first list targets 70 Russian citizens involved in producing Iskander-M and Zircon missiles; the second covers 28 individuals and 27 companies accused of helping circumvent financial restrictions; the third targets 10 individuals, 21 companies and two vessels acting in Russia’s interests in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories.

 

Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice has filed a lawsuit seeking the confiscation of 79 railway carriages owned by sanctioned individuals for the benefit of the state. The claim concerns property belonging to Inter Cargo Company, which is linked to Russian businessman Stanislav Gamzalov. According to the ministry, his companies provided logistical support for Russia’s aggression, including supplies to enterprises in the Russian military-industrial complex.