The State Duma adopted in the first reading legislative projects regarding sanctions for Russians convicted in absentia for violating the law on “foreign agents”, for “discrediting” the army, participation in “undesirable” organizations, calls for international sanctions and separatism. This is about individuals involved in administrative or criminal cases who “evade punishment” by being outside the borders of Russia. Their bank accounts and assets will be blocked.
In addition to this, they will be prohibited from accessing loans and online banking services, concluding transactions by proxy, registering vehicles or real estate, as well as registering as individual entrepreneurs or freelancers. Their driving licenses will be suspended. Citizens who hide from Russian justice abroad will not be able to apply for documents, not even by electronic signature. They will not be able to benefit from online public services, and in consulates they will be provided only a minimum set of procedures – exclusively to confirm that the person is alive.
The decision to apply these measures will be made by the Prosecutor General or his deputies, and the register of targeted persons will be public. It is envisaged that the changes will come into effect on March 1, 2026. “Even from outside the country’s borders, fleeing traitors must realize the inevitability of punishment for their actions,” said the President of the State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin.
Details, HERE