(WARSAW) – The Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has signed legislation allowing authorities to freeze assets, restrict banking and property transactions, and deny most consular services to Russian citizens abroad who have been convicted in absentia or accused of selected administrative offences.
The measures, reported by TVP World on 17th August 2026, establish a new Justice Ministry register of people considered to be avoiding punishment abroad. Those listed can have their assets frozen and property transactions blocked. They will lose access to remote banking and online government services and be prevented from receiving state payments or taking out loans.
The law covers offences that have become routine tools for prosecuting Kremlin critics, including “discrediting” the military, violating foreign agent rules, calling for sanctions, and challenging Russia’s territorial integrity. In wartime Russia, these categories can apply to journalists reporting on Russian atrocities in Ukraine, activists condemning annexation, opposition figures lobbying Western governments, and ordinary citizens posting criticism online.
Legal experts have compared the restrictions to an effective deprivation of many practical rights associated with citizenship. Consulates can refuse most documents to people placed on the register, meaning political exiles may be unable to renew Russian passports, creating legal problems for European countries hosting them.
State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has described critics abroad as traitors and warned that punishment would catch up with them wherever they are. Deputy Speaker Pyotr Tolstoy said the wallet is a liberal’s most sensitive organ.
Sociologist Sergey from Rutgers University told TVP World that the measures represent a significant step in the Kremlin’s repression. He argued that Putin fears points of crystallisation where private discontent could become collective political action.
The analyst suggested Russia is preparing for a scenario where the war in Ukraine fails and the regime must rely more heavily on fear to maintain control. He noted that Russia maintains an internal guard of 300,000 to 400,000 armed personnel to prevent any uprising.
The report also noted that Russia is heading towards parliamentary elections in September while the war continues to consume money, manpower and political attention.
Human rights advocates have called on foreign governments to provide affected Russians with travel documents, work authorisation and other mechanisms allowing them to remain legally abroad.
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