On 24 February 2026, the UK imposed a wide range of Designated Person restrictions, to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In summary, the UK imposed Designed Person restrictions on 240 entities and 7 individuals, and specified 50 ships. The measures are particularly focused on Russia’s energy sector and the “shadow fleet” of vessels. The designations include the following noteworthy parties: The UK Government’s press release for the sanctions is available…
On 23 January 2026, the European Commission released new FAQ guidance providing clarifications for operators navigating the EU’s expanding Russia sanctions framework. Notably, the European Commission updated their Consolidated FAQs on Sanctions against Russia and Belarus (the “FAQs”, accessible here) with guidance on the Nord Stream transaction ban and the EU’s 19th sanctions package, summarized below. I. Clarifications on the Nord Stream Transaction Ban (Article 5af, Regulation 833/2014) The EU has published dedicated FAQs interpreting…
The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) has amended two Russia-related General Licenses (“GLs”) – 55E and 115C – that authorize certain transactions related to crude oil originating from the Sakhalin-2 project and certain transactions with Russian entities related to civil nuclear energy. OFAC also updated several frequently asked questions (“FAQs”). Amended GLs 55E and 115C The amended GL 55E, “Authorizing Certain Services Related to Sakhalin-2,” authorizes, through 12:01 am…
The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) has amended two Russia-related General Licenses (“GLs”) —131A and 128B—affecting (i) contingent contract negotiations for acquisition of and maintaining/winding down transactions with certain Lukoil entities and (ii) retail transactions with ex-Russia Lukoil service stations. More information regarding each GL is below and our blog post regarding prior iterations of these GLs can be found here. Amended GL 131A On December 10, 2025, OFAC…