On 16 December 2024, the EU introduced its 15th package of sanctions against Russia, including by amending Regulation (EU) 833/2014 and Regulation (EU) 269/2014. The EU also issued the first designations under its “hybrid threats” sanctions framework, which was announced in early October 2024. Finally, the EU designated individuals and entities pursuant to EU sanctions against Belarus (Regulation (EC) No 765/2006). This latest round of sanctions entered into force on 17 December 2024 and is…
On October 30, 2024, the US Government imposed sanctions on hundreds of entities and individuals across the globe, primarily in response to Russia’s continued war in Ukraine, and amended US export controls related to Russia and Belarus. Below, we describe the key actions taken by the US Departments of the Treasury, State, and Commerce. 1. OFAC Actions With the aim of disrupting global sanctions evasion networks and domestic suppliers to Russia’s military-industrial base, the US…
On 24 September 2024, the G7 Sub-Working Group on Export Control Enforcement, which comprises representatives from the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the European Union (the “G7”), published the first-ever joint guidance for industry on preventing evasion of export control and sanctions imposed on Russia (“Joint Guidance”). The stated goal of the Joint Guidance is to assist industry in identifying Russia’s evolving evasion tactics and in complying with multilateral…
On September 3, 2024, the US Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (“DDTC”) issued revised Guidance for U.S. Persons Abroad (“USPABs”) Authorization Requests (“USPAB Guidance”) and updated FAQs on Defense Services and USPABs. Under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”), all USPABs need DDTC authorization before they can furnish ITAR-controlled defense services to any foreign person, including USPABs’ non-US employers. The principal changes to the USPAB Guidance are as follows: