Newsletter of the main news 23.02/01.03

1️⃣ Frozen Russian Assets

The International Register of Damage has opened a new category of claims for forced displacement abroad due to Russia’s aggression. Ukrainian citizens who have received protection in other countries and are unable to return home may submit applications via the Diia portal. The Register currently includes 15 categories, covering loss of housing, property, personal integrity, or missing relatives — a formal step toward future compensation.

The EU will no longer consider transferring frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, Germany’s Foreign Minister stated during a briefing with his Belgian counterpart. According to him, the issue is “finally settled,” with a €90 billion EU loan proposed as an alternative. The initiative, however, faces resistance from Hungary.

2️⃣ International Sanctions Policy

The EU has extended sanctions against Russia for another year, effective February 24, 2026 — marking the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion. The decision states that restrictive measures will remain in place as long as Russia continues to violate international law. The EU also reiterated the UN General Assembly’s demand for the full and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.

The EU is also reducing Russia’s diplomatic presence in Brussels and preparing entry bans to the Schengen area for former Russian military personnel. The European External Action Service stated it will not tolerate abuse of diplomatic status and is working with the European Commission on restrictions targeting individuals involved in war crimes and sabotage.

The United Kingdom introduced nearly 300 new sanctions against Russia — its largest package in four years. Measures target Transneft, 175 companies linked to the 2Rivers network, 48 shadow fleet tankers, nine banks, and dozens of individuals and entities tied to Russia’s military and energy sectors. London also announced a new package of military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine.

Australia imposed 180 new sanctions on Russia — its largest package since the start of the full-scale war. The measures cover the financial, defense, energy, and transport sectors, shadow fleet vessels, and — for the first time — cryptocurrency entities facilitating sanctions evasion. Canberra also lowered the price cap on Russian oil and confirmed over $1.7 billion in assistance to Ukraine.

The Council of the EU adopted two regulations enabling a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, though amendments to the EU’s long-term budget necessary for full implementation remain blocked by Hungary. The acts were formally signed following the General Affairs Council meeting, with EU officials emphasizing the need for sustained support amid continued Russian attacks on critical infrastructure.

Canada imposed sanctions on 21 individuals, 53 entities, and 100 shadow fleet vessels and reduced the oil price cap from $47.6 to $44.1 per barrel. The measures aim to curb Russia’s energy revenues, financial channels, and capabilities in AI and drone production. Ottawa also allocated CAD 20 million to Ukraine’s Energy Support Fund.

The EU will present a plan on April 15 to fully phase out Russian oil imports, according to Bloomberg. The initiative is part of a strategy to end dependence on Russian fossil fuels by 2030. Last year, Russian oil accounted for only 3% of EU imports. Hungary and Slovakia oppose the plan, though Brussels is considering mechanisms that would not require unanimous approval.

The Netherlands declined to host the European Para Swimming Championships after being asked to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags. The government permits participation only under a neutral status without national symbols. The tournament’s future and its role in qualification for the 2028 Paralympics remain uncertain.

Switzerland will ban the purchase and import of Russian LNG starting April 25, with a transition period for existing contracts until the end of 2026. The country also strengthened sanctions against Russia and Belarus, expanding restrictions on crypto services, dual-use goods, advanced technologies, and tourism-related services.

The EU extended sanctions against Belarus until February 28, 2027. Currently, 312 individuals and 57 entities remain under restrictive measures, including asset freezes and travel bans. The sanctions were imposed in response to domestic repression, support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, and hybrid attacks against EU member states.

France will block access to 35 Russian websites and channels. Media regulator ARCOM has instructed internet providers and search engines to restrict sanctioned Russian media platforms. The measures continue actions taken after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The United States has postponed sanctions against Lukoil for the fourth time, Reuters reports, citing sources and an OFAC document. The delay is attributed to the need to finalize asset sale arrangements, with proceeds to be held in a frozen account under U.S. jurisdiction. The issue was also discussed during talks involving Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia.

Anatoly Chubais filed a lawsuit in Canada seeking to compel the Foreign Ministry to review his request for sanctions removal. He claims he opposed the war and has lived in exile since 2022, but has not received a response since submitting his request in September 2025. Canada sanctioned him in June 2025 under the so-called “List of 50” individuals associated with Putin’s inner circle.

Viktor Orbán may unblock the EU’s €90 billion loan to Ukraine in exchange for approval of a €16 billion defense loan for Hungary under the SAFE program, Politico reports. Sources suggest Budapest is leveraging its veto power, including by raising concerns over the Druzhba pipeline. Brussels is exploring legal mechanisms to bypass the blockade.

The EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia has been agreed upon by 25 member states but remains blocked by Hungary and Slovakia. As a result, the package was not placed on the Coreper agenda this week or in early March, delaying final approval.

3️⃣ Sanctions Violations and Evasion

Russians are purchasing real estate near military facilities across Europe, The Telegraph reports, citing Western intelligence sources. The properties include houses, warehouses, and land near airbases, ports, and critical infrastructure, potentially used for espionage and “grey zone” operations. Some countries have tightened restrictions, but there is no EU-wide ban.

Russian companies circumvented sanctions worth over $8 billion through offshore structures in British Overseas Territories, according to Transparency International Russia. Intermediaries in the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, and the Cayman Islands helped obscure oil trade and other transactions. Analysts highlight transparency gaps that enabled sanctions evasion.

Russia’s civil aviation sector faces heightened risks due to sanctions, spare parts shortages, and an aging fleet, Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service reports. Up to 339 aircraft could be withdrawn by 2030, with some foreign-built planes maintained through parallel imports and dismantling for parts. Intelligence officials warn of increasing operational risks and declining passenger capacity.

A businessman in Hamburg is under investigation for importing Russian goods worth over €4 million in violation of sanctions, Spiegel reports. Authorities conducted searches at three companies, seized documents, confiscated two luxury vehicles, and froze €3.5 million in assets. German authorities continue to uncover schemes circumventing EU import restrictions.

EU Special Envoy David O’Sullivan visited Bishkek to discuss risks of sanctions evasion through Kyrgyzstan. Approximately 80 goods — primarily dual-use items — are under scrutiny for potential re-export to Russia, alongside financial and crypto channels. The EU warned it may impose restrictions on specific companies if evidence of circumvention is confirmed.

The Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg, owned by LVMH through Belmond, continued servicing sanctioned Russian companies after 2022, Reuters reports. Clients reportedly included Rostec, Rosneft, Sovcomflot, and several banks, with payments totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars. Despite LVMH’s retail exit from Russia, the hotel’s financial performance improved during the war.

Swiss regulator FINMA revoked the license of MBaer Merchant Bank and initiated liquidation proceedings after U.S. allegations of money laundering, including for Viktor Medvedchuk and Serhiy Kurchenko. U.S. authorities stated the bank served sanctioned clients and facilitated sanctions evasion. Investigations showed most of its assets were linked to high-risk clients.

Belgium detained the tanker Ethera near Ostend, identifying it as part of Russia’s shadow fleet. The vessel, flying under the Guinean flag, was listed under EU and U.S. sanctions and suspected of transporting Russian oil in violation of restrictions. The operation was conducted with French support.

4️⃣ Ukraine’s Sanctions Policy

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, by Decree No. 161/2026, imposed sanctions on 29 Russian propagandists and 15 organizations involved in justifying the war against Ukraine. Those targeted include authors of propaganda textbooks, promoters of the “Russkiy Mir” ideology, and representatives of occupation administrations engaged in historical falsification and cultural asset theft. The Presidential Office described the move as a response to cultural colonization as part of hybrid aggression.

The Ministry of Justice filed a lawsuit with the High Anti-Corruption Court seeking sanctions against Oleh Tsaryov, a former MP and ex-“speaker” of the so-called “Novorossiya,” convicted of undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The claim seeks the confiscation of assets held indirectly through relatives, including 21 land plots, real estate, and corporate rights.

Ukraine imposed sanctions on 10 Russian transport and logistics companies and postal operators operating in occupied territories. The measures target entities supporting Russian military logistics, exploiting seized Ukrposhta infrastructure, and facilitating parallel imports of dual-use goods, including electronics and drones.