Russia Sanctions Roll On: Another Batch Hits the List
Published Date: 2/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of State has officially blocked the property and financial interests of certain people linked to harmful actions by the Russian government. These individuals are now on a special sanctions list, meaning Americans can’t do business with them. This update took effect on February 23, 2024, and aims to stop bad behavior by freezing assets under U.S. control.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Individuals Added to OFAC SDN List
On February 23, 2024, the Department of State published that one or more persons were placed on the U.S. Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. All property and interests in property of those persons that are subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
Specific Russian Vessels Identified as Blocked Property
The notice identifies specific vessels as property in which designated Russian entities have an interest and therefore are blocked. Examples listed include the research vessel YUZHMORGEOLOGIYA (IMO 8724482) and GELENDZHIK (IMO 8826230); these vessels are identified as blocked under the same February 23, 2024 determination.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20079, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR): Review of the U.S. Munitions List and Related Definitions and License Exemptions
The U.S. Department of State wants to update the rules that control the export of military gear and tech to focus only on the most sensitive stuff. They’re making the list clearer, removing some items, and adding new ways to skip licenses for certain exports. If you deal with defense exports, get ready to review these changes and send your thoughts by November 30, 2026!
2026-17655, Passports: Expanding Online Passport Renewal Overseas
The Department proposes to amend 22 CFR 51.21 by consolidating requirements for persons applying by mail and online in the United States and overseas. This proposed change includes expanding online passport application availability to qualified applicants located in foreign countries. In addition, the Department is proposing to remove the requirement that an applicant's most recently issued passport must have a year or less of remaining validity to qualify to submit an online passport application. Finally, the Department is proposing technical corrections to 51.8(b) to change "on-line" to read "online" for consistency.
2026-04931, Schedule of Fees for Consular Services-Fee for Administrative Processing of Request for Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States
Good news for U.S. citizens and nationals who want to give up their citizenship! Starting April 13, 2026, the fee for processing a Certificate of Loss of Nationality drops from $2,350 to just $450. This big price cut makes it way easier and cheaper to handle this important paperwork at U.S. embassies and consulates.
2025-17851, Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates-Visa Services Fee Changes
The Department of State is adding a $1 fee to enter the Diversity Visa lottery to share costs more fairly among all applicants. This means everyone who wants to try their luck at the visa lottery will pay a small fee upfront, instead of only winners paying later. The new fee will start when you register online, so get ready to pay a buck when you apply!
2025-14826, Visas: Visa Bond Pilot Program
The Department of State is launching a 12-month pilot program where some travelers applying for B-1/B-2 visas from certain countries might need to pay a bond up to $15,000. This applies to visitors from places with high visa overstays or special citizenship rules. The goal? To make sure folks follow visa rules and keep travel safe and fair.
2026-20082, International Traffic in Arms Regulations: Syria Country Policy Revision
Starting October 1, 2026, the U.S. will no longer automatically block defense trade licenses for Syria. Instead, companies and individuals can apply for permission to export or import defense-related items to or from Syria, and each request will be reviewed carefully. This change opens the door for case-by-case approvals, signaling a big shift for anyone dealing with defense trade involving Syria.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02900, Notice of Department of State Sanctions Actions Pursuant to the Executive Order Regarding Blocking Property With Respect to Specified Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of the Russian Federation
The U.S. Department of State has blocked the property and financial interests of certain people linked to harmful actions by the Russian government. These individuals are now on a special sanctions list, meaning Americans can’t do business with them. This update took effect on January 15, 2025, and aims to stop bad behavior by freezing assets under U.S. control.
Next: 2025-02902, Notice of Department of State Sanctions Actions Pursuant to the Executive Order Regarding Blocking Property With Respect to Specified Harmful Foreign Activities of the Government of the Russian Federation
The U.S. Department of State has added new people and groups linked to harmful actions by the Russian government to a special sanctions list. This means their property in the U.S. is frozen, and Americans can’t do business with them. These changes took effect on October 30, 2024, tightening financial restrictions to stop bad behavior.