Mr. Sanctions

Category: Russia

  • OFAC Amends two Russia-related FAQs

    As per the OFAC Notice:

    Issuance of Amended Russia-related Frequently Asked Questions

    Release Date

    12/18/2025

    Recent Actions Body

    OFAC is issuing two amended Russia-related Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ 1224 and 1225.

    The FAQs:

    1224. What negotiations does Russia-related General License 131A authorize, and what transaction conditions will OFAC consider when evaluating requests for further authorization to effectuate a sale of Lukoil International GmbH (LIG) assets?

    Answer

    On October 22, 2025, OFAC designated PJSC Lukoil (Lukoil) to increase pressure on Russia’s energy sector and degrade Russia’s ability to raise revenue for its war machine.  OFAC is aware of potential efforts by Lukoil to divest its assets outside of Russia to non-blocked parties, given the impact of sanctions.  To support such divestments and further cut off funding to Russia, OFAC issued Russia-related General License (GL) 131A, which authorizes negotiations and entry into contingent contracts with Lukoil for the sale of LIG or any of LIG’s majority-owned subsidiaries.  Authorized activities include negotiations on terms for definitive agreements and financial, legal, or operational due diligence, including engagement of outside counsel or advisors.  GL 131A expires on January 17, 2026.

    GL 131A does not authorize transactions to effectuate the actual sale, disposition, or transfer of any LIG entity or asset.  Any contract entered into pursuant to GL 131A must expressly be made contingent upon the receipt of a separate authorization from OFAC.  The goal of OFAC’s Russia sanctions is to place pressure on Moscow to end its war. 

    As such, Treasury would evaluate any proposed sale of LIG based on factors that support U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives.  OFAC expects that, at a minimum, the proposed transaction must:  completely sever LIG’s ties with Lukoil; block any funds owed to Lukoil until sanctions are lifted by placing them in an account subject to U.S. jurisdiction; and not provide a windfall to Lukoil, such as by providing up-front value to Lukoil, including through asset or share swaps.  Further, as a condition of any future license for effectuating a sale of LIG, OFAC expects that it will require persons purchasing LIG’s assets to seek OFAC review before further divestment of material LIG assets.

    OFAC may revoke GL 131A at any time, including if Lukoil and LIG do not appear to be engaging in good faith negotiations regarding the divestment of LIG or its assets.

    Date Updated: December 18, 2025

    Date Released

    November 19, 2025

    and:

    1225. What activities do Russia-related General License 128B and General License 131A authorize related to Lukoil International GmbH (LIG)?

    Answer

    OFAC has issued two General Licenses (GLs) relating specifically to Lukoil International GmbH (LIG) and its majority-owned subsidiaries (“LIG Entities”):  GL 128B and GL 131A.  The GLs are similar but have different expiration dates and terms as each serves a different purpose.  

    • To mitigate the effects of Lukoil’s OFAC designation on retail consumers, OFAC issued on December 4, 2025 GL 128B to authorize maintenance, operation, and wind down activities for a narrow range of LIG entities, specifically Lukoil retail automobile service stations outside of the Russian Federation.  This GL expires on April 29, 2026.
    • To enable Lukoil to divest its assets outside of Russia to non-blocked parties, OFAC issued on December 10, 2025 GL 131A to authorize, among other things, maintenance and wind down activities of all LIG Entities.  This GL has a shorter duration as it expires on January 17, 2026.  Please see Frequently Asked Question 1224 for additional information on authorizations regarding negotiations for the sale of LIG Entities.  

    GL 128B and GL 131A expressly authorize transactions undertaken in the ordinary course of business, provided that the transactions do not involve any blocked persons other than the LIG Entities described in GL 128B and GL 131A.  Transactions undertaken in the ordinary course of business may involve (but are not limited to):  supply of motor fuel and lubricants; lease payments; insurance payments; property maintenance and environmental services; employee payroll, benefits, severance, and reimbursements; information technology services; payments to government authorities; legal services and proceedings; payments to suppliers, landlords, lenders, and partners; the preservation and upkeep of pre-existing tangible property; and activities associated with maintaining pre-existing capital investments.  Also, both GL 128B and GL 131A authorize transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to performing pre-existing agreements and conducting intracompany transfers, provided that such transactions are consistent with previously established practices and support pre-existing projects or operations, consistent with the terms of the respective authorizations.  

    Both GL 128B and GL 131A also authorize financial institutions, payment processors, and other entities to use, debit, and credit the accounts of the relevant LIG Entities to effectuate the respective authorizations, but both GLs are also expressly limited by the condition that no funds may be transferred to a person or account in the Russian Federation.

    Non-U.S. persons generally do not risk exposure to U.S. sanctions under E.O. 14024 for engaging in transactions with blocked persons that are generally authorized for U.S. persons, including for those authorized by GL 128B and GL 131A.  Similarly, non-U.S. persons may rely upon GL 128B and GL 131A regardless of whether a foreign financial institution maintains blocked accounts, provided the non-U.S. person’s activities are consistent with the terms of GL 128B and GL 131A, including the requirement that no payments may be transferred to any person or account located in the Russian Federation. 

    Date Updated: December 18, 2025
     

    Date Released

    December 4, 2025

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  • December 18, 2025: OFAC adds to Iran, ICC sanctions, removes from Russia sanctions & an FSE designation removal

    From today’s Notice, the following additions and delistings were made:

    Iran-related Designations; International Criminal Court-related Designations; Russia-related Designations Removals; Foreign Sanctions Evaders Determination Removal; Issuance of Iran-related and International Criminal Court-related General Licenses

    Treasury Press Release:

    Treasury Increases Pressure on Iran’s Sanctions-Evading Shadow Fleet

    State Press Release:

    Sanctioning ICC Judges Directly Engaged in the Illegitimate Targeting of Israel

    Additions:

    Specially Designated Nationals List Update

    [ICC-EO14203]

    Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court

    DAMDIN, Erdenebalsuren

    • Netherlands
    • DOB 07 Aug 1967
    • POB Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
    • nationality Mongolia
    • Gender Male
    • Diplomatic Passport D00004977 (Mongolia) expires 25 Dec 2027
    • Type (individual)

    LORDKIPANIDZE, Gocha

    • Netherlands
    • DOB 03 Feb 1964
    • POB Poti, Georgia
    • nationality Georgia
    • Gender Male
    • Diplomatic Passport 10DP04141 (Georgia) expires 18 Feb 2026
    • Type (individual)

    Supplemental Information:

    According to the State Department press release, Erdenebalsuren Damdin and Gocha Lordkipanidze are International Criminal Court (ICC) judges. They were designated for directly engaging in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute Israeli nationals without Israel’s consent, including voting in favor of the ICC’s ruling against Israel’s appeal.

    [IRAN-EO13902]

    Imposing Sanctions with Respect to Additional Sectors of Iran

    SAKR, Hatem Elsaid Farid Ibrahim

    AKAs: SAKR, Hatem Elsaid Farid Ibrahim (Arabic: حاتم السعید فرید ابراهیم صقر)

    • Al Mizhar 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    • DOB 14 Apr 1984
    • POB Kafr El Sheikh, Egypt
    • nationality Egypt
    • Gender Male
    • Passport A28342914 (Egypt) expires 14 Jul 2028
    • Identification Number 784198495048732 (United Arab Emirates)
    • Type (individual)

    ADONIS SHIPPING INC

    • Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Ajeltake Island 96960, Marshall Islands
    • Organization Established Date 05 Apr 2024
    • Identification Number IMO 6490991
    • Registration Number 125282 (Marshall Islands)

    AGAPE SHIPPING INC

    • Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Ajeltake Island 96960, Marshall Islands
    • Organization Established Date 13 Mar 2024
    • Identification Number IMO 6483853
    • Registration Number 124804 (Marshall Islands)

    ALEAH SHIPPING INC

    • Intershore Chambers, Road Town, Tortola, Virgin Islands, British
    • Organization Established Date 2024
    • Identification Number IMO 0115648

    ARIHANT SHIPPING INC.

    • Panama City, Panama
    • Organization Established Date 29 Nov 2019
    • Identification Number IMO 6137793
    • Folio Mercantil No. 155688452 (Panama)

    CONCORD SHIPPING INC.

    • Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Ajeltake Island 96960, Marshall Islands
    • Organization Established Date 17 Sep 2021
    • Identification Number IMO 6255216
    • Registration Number 110904 (Marshall Islands)

    DARYA SHIPPING PRIVATE LIMITED

    AKAs: DARYA SHIPPING PVT LTD

    • No. 421, 422, and 423, Fourth Floor, Vipul Plaza, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon 122011, India
    • Website www.daryashipping.in
    • Organization Established Date 16 Nov 2017
    • Identification Number IMO 6017001
    • Trade License No. U74999HR2017PTC071501 (India)
    • Company Number 98450007AWFB9BFC6A06 (India)

    EVEREST SEA NAVIGATION SA

    • 80 Broad Street, Monrovia, Liberia
    • Organization Established Date 2023
    • Identification Number IMO 6452167

    GOLDEN GATE SHIP MANAGEMENT

    • Office No A-301, Mahavir Icon, CBD Belapur, Plot 89, Sector 15, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400614, India
    • Organization Established Date 01 Oct 2024
    • Identification Number IMO 0029112
    • Company Number UDYAM-MH-33-0532049 (India)

    HEMERA LINES INC.

    • Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Ajeltake Island 96960, Marshall Islands
    • Organization Established Date 07 Sep 2022
    • Identification Number IMO 6358714
    • Company Number 116070 (Marshall Islands)

    HIGH SEAS PETROLEUM LLC

    AKAs: HIGH SEAS PETROLEUM LLC (Arabic: هاي سیز للنفط ذ م م), PETROFLEET ENERGY TRADING LLC, PETROFLEET ENERGY TRADING LLC (Arabic: بيتروفلييت انيرجي للتجارة ذ م م)

    • Office 102, Al Zarooni Tower, Al-Mamzar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    • Office No 306, Al Mamzer, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    • Organization Established Date 15 Jul 2021
    • Identification Number IMO 6243669
    • License 968668 (United Arab Emirates)
    • Economic Register Number (CBLS) 11708243 (United Arab Emirates)Linked to: SAKR, Hatem Elsaid Farid Ibrahim

    J M A SHIPPING INC.

    • Panama City, Panama
    • Organization Established Date 27 Apr 2021
    • Identification Number IMO 6225751
    • Folio Mercantil No. 155705332 (Panama)

    KURDOS SHIPPING INC.

    • Suites D&E, 20th Floor, Global Plaza Tower, Calle 50, Panama City, Panama
    • Organization Established Date 17 Jul 2008
    • Identification Number IMO 5409641
    • Registration Number 625159 (Panama)

    M K A SHIPPING INC

    • Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Ajeltake Island 96960, Marshall Islands
    • Organization Established Date 24 May 2022
    • Identification Number IMO 6323643
    • Registration Number 114584 (Marshall Islands)

    MARUTI SHIPPING INC.

    • Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Ajeltake Island 96960, Marshall Islands
    • Organization Established Date 31 May 2024
    • Identification Number IMO 6506573
    • Registration Number 126286 (Marshall Islands)

    PHOENIX SHIP MANAGEMENT FZE

    AKAs: PHOENIX SHIP MANAGEMENT FZE (Arabic: فينيكس لإدارة السفن م م ح)

    • Office No E-39F-09, (P1-ELOB), Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
    • Website https://phoenixfze.com/
    • Organization Established Date 23 Apr 2025
    • Identification Number IMO 0226749
    • License 38883 (United Arab Emirates)

    QATRAT ALNADA ALMASI SHIP MANAGEMENT L.L.C

    • Office 604, Green Tower, Rigga Albuteen, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    • Organization Established Date 15 Feb 2024
    • Identification Number IMO 6479652
    • Commercial Registry Number 2226924 (United Arab Emirates)
    • License 1312327 (United Arab Emirates)
    • Chamber of Commerce Number 519528 (United Arab Emirates)

    RED SEA SHIP MANAGEMENT LLC

    AKAs: RED SEA SHIP MANAGEMENT LLC (Arabic: ريد سي لإدارة السفن ذ م م)

    • Office No 306, Parcel 133-251, Al Mamzar, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    • Organization Established Date 05 Dec 2023
    • Identification Number IMO 6454999
    • License 1272054 (United Arab Emirates)
    • Chamber of Commerce Number 503160 (United Arab Emirates)Linked to: SAKR, Hatem Elsaid Farid Ibrahim

    RUKBAT MARINE SERVICES CO

    • Unit 1905, Haware Infotech, Sector 30A, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210, India
    • Organization Established Date 2025
    • Identification Number IMO 0156125

    S M A SHIPPING INC.

    • Office 703, 6th Floor, Centennial Center, Panama City, Panama
    • Organization Established Date 29 Jan 2021
    • Identification Number IMO 6206261
    • Folio Mercantil No. 155701731 (Panama)

    SINOSTAR MARINE GROUP LIMITED

    • Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Ajeltake Island 96960, Marshall Islands
    • Organization Established Date 19 Mar 2024
    • Identification Number IMO 0059859
    • Company Number 124911 (Marshall Islands)

    AETHER SAIL

    • Chemical/Products Tanker Palau flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2003
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9277371
    • MMSI 511101256
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: PHOENIX SHIP MANAGEMENT FZE

    ARIHANT

    • Products Tanker Palau flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2009
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9464156
    • MMSI 511100268
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: ARIHANT SHIPPING INC.

    AUROURA

    • Oil Products Tanker Panama flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2004
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9262912
    • MMSI 352001225
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: GOLDEN GATE SHIP MANAGEMENT

    DIANA

    • Crude Oil Tanker Jamaica flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2004
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9255945
    • MMSI 339000161
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: ALEAH SHIPPING INC

    FLORA DOLCE

    • Chemical/Products Tanker Barbados flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2004
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9258595
    • MMSI 314001081
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: RUKBAT MARINE SERVICES CO

    FOSHAN

    • Chemical/Products Tanker Panama flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2007
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9404572
    • MMSI 352001366
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: SINOSTAR MARINE GROUP LIMITED

    GOLDEN EAGLE

    • Crude Oil Tanker Unknown flag
    • Former Vessel Flag Gambia
    • Vessel Year of Build 2004
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9255684
    • MMSI 341313001
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: EVEREST SEA NAVIGATION SA

    HEMERA

    • Asphalt/Bitumen Tanker Palau flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2006
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9263954
    • MMSI 511101408
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: HEMERA LINES INC.

    INTAN PREMIER

    • Chemical/Products Tanker Palau flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2009
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9358802
    • MMSI 511101645
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: RED SEA SHIP MANAGEMENT LLC

    J M A

    • Oil Products Tanker Cook Islands flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2001
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9246487
    • MMSI 518998202
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: J M A SHIPPING INC.

    KASSIA

    • Chemical/Products Tanker Panama flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2008
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9409986
    • MMSI 352001708
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: ADONIS SHIPPING INC

    KHADIGA

    • Chemical/Products Tanker Palau flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2006
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9321469
    • MMSI 511100904
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: RED SEA SHIP MANAGEMENT LLC

    KURDOS

    • Chemical/Products Tanker Palau flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2001
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9236731
    • MMSI 511101920
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: KURDOS SHIPPING INC.

    KURDOS II

    • Chemical/Products Tanker Palau flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2008
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9453729
    • MMSI 511101194
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: KURDOS SHIPPING INC.

    KURDOS III

    • Chemical/Products Tanker Palau flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2008
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9380570
    • MMSI 511101819
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: KURDOS SHIPPING INC.

    M K A

    • Chemical/Products Tanker Cook Islands flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2003
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9269403
    • MMSI 518998516
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: M K A SHIPPING INC

    MAJESTY

    • Chemical/Products Tanker Cook Islands flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2012
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9430715
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: CONCORD SHIPPING INC.

    MARUTI

    • Products Tanker Cook Islands flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2010
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9546710
    • MMSI 518998458
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: MARUTI SHIPPING INC.

    NEBULA DRIFT

    • Products Tanker Palau flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2002
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9233973
    • MMSI 511101749
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: PHOENIX SHIP MANAGEMENT FZE

    NOMIKI

    • Chemical/Products Tanker Panama flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2002
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9242443
    • MMSI 352004062
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: AGAPE SHIPPING INC

    RAMYA

    • Chemical/Products Tanker Barbados flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2006
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9363182
    • MMSI 314001076
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: DARYA SHIPPING PRIVATE LIMITED

    S M A

    • Asphalt/Bitumen Tanker Cook Islands flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2003
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9273002
    • MMSI 518100962
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: S M A SHIPPING INC.

    SEA CITRINE VI

    • Products Tanker Palau flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 1999
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9207273
    • MMSI 511101409
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: QATRAT ALNADA ALMASI SHIP MANAGEMENT L.L.C

    SEA ROCK

    • Products Tanker
    • Former Vessel Flag Palau
    • Vessel Year of Build 1996
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9140451
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: QATRAT ALNADA ALMASI SHIP MANAGEMENT L.L.C

    SEA WISE

    • Products Tanker Palau flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2001
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9224570
    • MMSI 511100774
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: QATRAT ALNADA ALMASI SHIP MANAGEMENT L.L.C

    SEAMULL

    • Products Tanker Palau flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2001
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9204776
    • MMSI 511100317
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: QATRAT ALNADA ALMASI SHIP MANAGEMENT L.L.C

    SKYLIGHT

    • Chemical/Products Tanker Palau flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2006
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9330020
    • MMSI 511101102
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: RED SEA SHIP MANAGEMENT LLC

    TIDAL RHYTHM

    • Asphalt/Bitumen Tanker Panama flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2004
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9297101
    • MMSI 352004719
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: PHOENIX SHIP MANAGEMENT FZE

    VOYAGER HAVEN

    • Chemical/Products Tanker Panama flag
    • Vessel Year of Build 2004
    • Vessel Registration Identification IMO 9271896
    • MMSI 352004496
    • Type (vessel)Linked to: PHOENIX SHIP MANAGEMENT FZE

    Supplemental Information:

    The Treasury Department has designated these entities and vessels as part of the Iranian “shadow fleet” used to evade sanctions and export Iranian petroleum and petroleum products. Hatem Elsaid Farid Ibrahim Sakr, an Egyptian businessman, is identified as a key figure managing several of these companies (Red Sea Ship Management, High Seas Petroleum) which coordinate with the Iranian Ministry of Defense-associated front company Sahara Thunder. The designated vessels have been involved in transporting hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian petroleum products, including fuel oil, bitumen, naphtha, and condensate, often to end users in Asia.

    Delistings:

    Specially Designated Nationals List Update

    [RUSSIA-EO14024]

    Blocking Property With Respect To Specified Harmful Foreign Activities Of The Government Of The Russian Federation

    VELES INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, Globe House, Floor No. 5, 23 Kennedy, Nicosia 1075, Cyprus; Secondary sanctions risk: See Section 11 of Executive Order 14024.; Organization Established Date 21 Sep 2005; Tax ID No. 10165706H (Cyprus); Identification Number M9DR4T.99999.SL.196 (Cyprus); Legal Entity Number 213800HFBG8GID98ID84; Registration Number C165706 (Cyprus) (Linked To: BUGAYENKO, Dmitry Vitalyevich).

    HADLERCO LIMITED, Marilena Building, Flat No 101, No 1, Prigkipissas Zinas Kanther 12, Nicosia 1065, Cyprus; Secondary sanctions risk: See Section 11 of Executive Order 14024.; Organization Established Date 11 Aug 2000; Tax ID No. 10113889S (Cyprus); Legal Entity Number 213800MRUA23SZCWPO15; Registration Number C113889 (Cyprus) (Linked To: BUGAYENKO, Dmitry Vitalyevich).

    BUGAYENKO, Dmitry Vitalyevich (a.k.a. BUGAENKO, Dmitrii Vitalyevich; a.k.a. BUGAENKO, Dmitry), 6/1 Michurinsky Prospekt, 187-188, Moscow 119295, Russia; DOB 15 Dec 1966; POB Moscow, Russia; nationality Russia; alt. nationality Cyprus; Gender Male; Secondary sanctions risk: See Section 11 of Executive Order 14024.; Passport K00148307 (Cyprus) issued 26 Sep 2013 expires 26 Sep 2023; National ID No. 1274836 (Cyprus) (individual).

    BUGAENKO, Dmitry (a.k.a. BUGAENKO, Dmitrii Vitalyevich; a.k.a. BUGAYENKO, Dmitry Vitalyevich), 6/1 Michurinsky Prospekt, 187-188, Moscow 119295, Russia; DOB 15 Dec 1966; POB Moscow, Russia; nationality Russia; alt. nationality Cyprus; Gender Male; Secondary sanctions risk: See Section 11 of Executive Order 14024.; Passport K00148307 (Cyprus) issued 26 Sep 2013 expires 26 Sep 2023; National ID No. 1274836 (Cyprus) (individual).

    BUGAENKO, Dmitrii Vitalyevich (a.k.a. BUGAENKO, Dmitry; a.k.a. BUGAYENKO, Dmitry Vitalyevich), 6/1 Michurinsky Prospekt, 187-188, Moscow 119295, Russia; DOB 15 Dec 1966; POB Moscow, Russia; nationality Russia; alt. nationality Cyprus; Gender Male; Secondary sanctions risk: See Section 11 of Executive Order 14024.; Passport K00148307 (Cyprus) issued 26 Sep 2013 expires 26 Sep 2023; National ID No. 1274836 (Cyprus) (individual).

    DREMOVA, Evgenia, Finland; DOB 26 Aug 1977; nationality Finland; Gender Female; Secondary sanctions risk: See Section 11 of Executive Order 14024.; Identification Number 260877 (Finland) (individual).

    HI-TECH KONEISTO INTERNATIONAL OY, Hirsalantie 11, Jorvas 02420, Finland; Secondary sanctions risk: See Section 11 of Executive Order 14024.; Organization Established Date 21 Jul 2021; V.A.T. Number FI32114731 (Finland); Identification Number 3211473-1 (Finland) (Linked To: DREMOVA, Evgenia).

    365 DAYS FREIGHT SERVICES FZCO, Warehouse No. F24, Dubai Airport Free Zone, PO Box 99083, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Secondary sanctions risk: See Section 11 of Executive Order 14024.; License 1303 (United Arab Emirates); Economic Register Number (CBLS) 11436269 (United Arab Emirates).

    ETASIS ELEKTRONIK TARTI ALETLERI VE SISTEMLERI SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI (a.k.a. ETASIS A.S.), 2001 Cadde No 36, 75, Yil Mahallesi, Odunpazari 26250, Turkey; Secondary sanctions risk: See Section 11 of Executive Order 14024.; Tax ID No. 7838098822 (Turkey); Registration Number 26355 (Turkey).

    ETASIS A.S. (a.k.a. ETASIS ELEKTRONIK TARTI ALETLERI VE SISTEMLERI SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI), 2001 Cadde No 36, 75, Yil Mahallesi, Odunpazari 26250, Turkey; Secondary sanctions risk: See Section 11 of Executive Order 14024.; Tax ID No. 7838098822 (Turkey); Registration Number 26355 (Turkey).

    CPS PROSES KONTROL URUNLERI SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI, Carsi Yapi Sitesi G Blok, No: 10G/5 Sanayi Mahallesi, Kocaeli, Turkey; Secondary sanctions risk: See Section 11 of Executive Order 14024.; Organization Established Date 22 Feb 2022; Tax ID No. 2150603096 (Turkey); Business Registration Number 32873 (Turkey).

    Foreign Sanctions Evaders List Update

    [FSE-IR]

    Foreign Sanctions Evaders (FSE) – Iran

    KAYAKIRAN, Evren, Turkey; DOB 08 Feb 1980; citizen Turkey; Gender Male; Passport U00242309 (Turkey) (individual).

    I will cover the General Licenses in a separate post (and work on the prompt so I don’t lose the formatting in the deletions section).

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  • OSFI adds Wind-Down General Licence for Russian Oil firms

    Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM Treasury
    OFSI General Licence INT/2025/8202932, Russian Oil Companies Wind Down issuedOn 18 December 2025, the General Licence INT/2025/8202932 was issued. The General Licence allows for Persons to wind down from any transactions involving the Designated Person to which that Person is a party.Any persons intending to use General Licence INT/2025/8202932 should consult the copy of the Licence for full details of the definition, permissions, and usage requirements.

    and here’s the new General Licence:

    GL_Document_-_Russian_Oil_Companies_Dec_2025Download

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  • December 18, 2025: OFSI adds 2 dozen to Russia sanctions

    As per the OFSI Notice, the following changes have been made to the Russian sanctions program:

    Additions

    Individuals

    ALIYEV, Chingiz

    • Group ID: 17265
    • Nationality: Azerbaijan
    • Address: Geneva, Switzerland
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3164. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 18/12/2025.
    • UK Statement of Reasons: The Secretary of State has reasonable grounds to suspect that Chingiz ALIYEV is an involved individual under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 because he is or has been involved in: obtaining a benefit from or supporting the Government of Russia, through working as a director.
    • Supplemental Information: Chingiz Aliyev is an oil trader associated with entities involved in the trading of Russian crude oil.

    DOBRINOV, Sergei Viktorovich

    • Group ID: 17269
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3166.
    • UK Statement of Reasons: The Secretary of State has reasonable grounds to suspect that Sergei DOBRINOV is an involved person under the Russia (EU Exit) (Sanctions) Regulations 2019 on the basis of the following ground: Sergei DOBRINOV is or has been involved in obtaining a benefit from or supporting the Government of Russia.
    • Supplemental Information: Sergei Dobrinov is a business associate linked to networks of oil trading companies facilitating the export of Russian energy products.

    LAKHANI, Murtaza Ali

    • Group ID: 17266
    • DOB: 08/03/1962
    • POB: Karachi, Pakistan
    • Nationality: (1) Pakistan (2) Canada
    • Address: London, United Kingdom
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3165. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 18/12/2025.
    • UK Statement of Reasons: The Secretary of State has reasonable grounds to suspect that Murtaza Ali Lakhani, hereafter LAKHANI, is an involved person under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 because: LAKHANI is or has been involved in obtaining a benefit from or supporting the Government of Russia, by owning and/or controlling, directly or indirectly, Tejarinaft FZCO, Amur II – FZCO, and Fossil Trading FZCO, entities carrying on business in a sector of strategic significance to the Government of Russia, namely the Russian energy sector.
    • Supplemental Information: Murtaza Lakhani is the founder and CEO of Mercantile & Maritime Group. He is a veteran oil trader who has historically acted as an intermediary for Rosneft, including facilitating oil deals and advising on Vostok Oil projects.

    MUMINOV, Rustam Rakhimdzhanovich

    • Group ID: 17280
    • Name (non-Latin script): Рустам Рахимджанович Муминов
    • DOB: 26/12/1953
    • POB: Tashkent, Uzbekistan
    • Nationality: (1) Uzbekistan (2) Israel (3) Russia
    • National Identification Number: INN: 773600669995
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3176.
    • UK Statement of Reasons: The Secretary of State has reasonable grounds to suspect that Rustam Rakhimdzhanovich MUMINOV is an “involved person” under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 because he is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine or undermining or threatening the territorial integrity.
    • Supplemental Information: Rustam Muminov is a businessman linked to supply chains supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex, specifically involving chemical components.

    PALEVICH, Andrej Anatolevich

    • Group ID: 17271
    • Name (non-Latin script): Андрей Анатольевич Палевич
    • National Identification Details: INN: 780500259160
    • Position: 100% Shareholder of LLC TEKSTIL-SERVIS
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3169. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 18/12/2025.
    • UK Statement of Reasons: The Secretary of State has reasonable grounds to suspect that Andrej Anatolevich PALEVICH is an “involved person” under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 because he is, or has been, involved in destabilising Ukraine or undermining or threatening the territorial integrity.
    • Supplemental Information: Andrej Palevich controls LLC Tekstil-Servis, a company implicated in the supply of materials such as nitrocellulose to the Russian defence industry.

    Entities

    ALTRUM GROUP FZCO

    • Group ID: 17285
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3185.
    • UK Statement of Reasons: The Secretary of State has reasonable grounds to suspect that ALTRUM GROUP FZCO is an involved person under the Russia (EU Exit) (Sanctions) Regulations 2019 on the basis of the following ground: ALTRUM GROUP FZCO is or has been involved in obtaining a benefit from or supporting the Government of Russia.
    • Supplemental Information: Altrum Group FZCO is a UAE-based entity involved in logistics and trading networks facilitating Russian commodity exports.

    AMUR II FZCO

    • Group ID: 17267
    • a.k.a: AMUR TRADING – FZCO
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3183. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 18/12/2025.
    • UK Statement of Reasons: The Secretary of State has reasonable grounds to suspect AMUR II FZCO is or has been involved in obtaining a benefit from or supporting the Government of Russia by carrying on business in a sector of strategic significance to the Government of Russia, namely the Russian energy sector.
    • Supplemental Information: Amur II FZCO is linked to Murtaza Lakhani and is part of the network used to transport and trade Russian oil.

    FARGONA KIMYO ZAVODI LLC

    • Group ID: 17272
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3170.
    • Supplemental Information: Fargona Kimyo Zavodi (Fergana Chemical Plant) is an Uzbekistan-based chemical manufacturer that produces cotton cellulose, a key ingredient for explosives and propellants.

    FOSSIL TRADING FZCO

    • Group ID: 17273
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3181.
    • Supplemental Information: Fossil Trading FZCO is a UAE-based trading vehicle owned or controlled by Murtaza Lakhani, used for dealing in Russian energy products.

    GELION BUSINESS TRADE MCHJ

    • Group ID: 17274
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3171.
    • Supplemental Information: Gelion Business Trade MCHJ is an Uzbekistan-based company involved in the supply chain of raw materials to Russia.

    GIMLI TRADE LLC-FZ

    • Group ID: 17282
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3177.
    • Supplemental Information: Gimli Trade LLC-FZ is a Dubai-based entity involved in the trade of goods restricted under sanctions regimes.

    KIFIKO LLC

    • Group ID: 17275
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3180.
    • Supplemental Information: Kifiko LLC is a Russian company involved in the wholesale of chemical products.

    LLC JV CHEMISTRY INTERNATIONAL

    • Group ID: 17276
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3172.
    • Supplemental Information: LLC JV Chemistry International is involved in the chemical industry, specifically the supply of nitrocellulose.

    LLC NNK-OIL

    • Group ID: 17264
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3163.
    • Supplemental Information: LLC NNK-Oil (Nezavisimaya Neftegazovaya Kompaniya) is a Russian oil and gas company led by Eduard Khudainatov, often associated with Rosneft.

    LLC RUSNEFTEGAZ GROUP

    • Group ID: 17262
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3161.
    • Supplemental Information: LLC Rusneftegaz Group is a Russian energy company involved in oil and gas extraction.

    LLC TEKSTIL-SERVIS

    • Group ID: 17277
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3173.
    • Supplemental Information: LLC Tekstil-Servis is a Russian company designated for its role in supplying materials like cotton pulp to the defence sector.

    LLC VATA FACTORY 24

    • Group ID: 17278
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3174.
    • Supplemental Information: LLC Vata Factory 24 is a manufacturer of cotton wool and cellulose products, materials used in explosives manufacturing.

    MERCANTILE & MARITIME GROUP

    • Group ID: 17284
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3184.
    • Supplemental Information: Mercantile & Maritime Group is a Singapore and London-based oil and gas trading company founded by Murtaza Lakhani, involved in trading Russian crude oil.

    PJSC RUSSNEFT

    • Group ID: 17261
    • Name (non-Latin script): Публичное акционерное общество РуссНефть
    • Address: 69, Pyatnitskaya st., Moscow, Russia, 115054
    • Business Reg No: INN: 7717133960
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3160. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 18/12/2025.
    • UK Statement of Reasons: The Secretary of State has reasonable grounds to suspect that PJSC RUSSNEFT is an involved entity under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 because it is or has been involved in: obtaining a benefit from or supporting the Government of Russia, through carrying on business in a sector of strategic significance, namely, the Russian energy sector.
    • Supplemental Information: PJSC RussNeft is one of the largest crude oil producers in Russia, previously controlled by the Gutseriev family.

    PJSC TATNEFT

    • Group ID: 17263
    • Name (non-Latin script): ПАО Татнефть
    • a.k.a: PJSC TATNEFT named after V.D. Shashin
    • Address: 75, Lenin Street, Almetyevsk, Russia, 423 400
    • Business Reg No: INN: 1644003838
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3162. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 18/12/2025.
    • UK Statement of Reasons: The Secretary of State has reasonable grounds to suspect that PJSC TATNEFT is an involved entity under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 because it is or has been involved in: obtaining a benefit from or supporting the Government of Russia, through carrying on business in a sector of strategic significance, namely, the Russian energy sector.
    • Supplemental Information: PJSC Tatneft is the fifth-largest oil company in Russia, headquartered in Tatarstan, and operates the TANECO refinery complex and a tire manufacturing business.

    RAW MATERIALS CELLULOSE MCHJ

    • Group ID: 17279
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3175.
    • Supplemental Information: Raw Materials Cellulose MCHJ is an Uzbekistan-based entity involved in the export of cellulose products to Russia.

    REDWOOD GLOBAL SUPPLY FZ-LLC

    • Group ID: 17283
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3178.
    • Supplemental Information: Redwood Global Supply FZ-LLC is a UAE-based company involved in supply chains associated with restricted goods.

    SAPHIRA ENERGY FZE

    • Group ID: 17270
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3167.
    • Supplemental Information: Saphira Energy FZE is a UAE-based energy trading company.

    TEJARINAFT FZCO

    • Group ID: 17268
    • Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref): RUS3182.
    • Supplemental Information: Tejarinaft FZCO is a Dubai-based company owned or controlled by Murtaza Lakhani, involved in the trading of petroleum products.

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  • December 18, 2025: Notice to Exporters 2025/34 – Russian fertilizer-related general trade license updated

    NTE 2025/34: update to general trade licence Russia sanctions – fertilisers

    Published 18 December 2025

    Introduction

    The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) has updated the General trade licence Russia sanctions – financial services and funds related to fertilisers to include anhydrous ammonia within its scope.

    Licence information

    The general licence permits the provision of financial services and making funds available to a person connected with Russia for the supply or delivery of specified fertiliser goods from Russia to a third country and making specified fertiliser goods available from Russia to a person in a third country, where they are intended for agricultural use only.

    Read the general trade licence

    A full list of the specified fertiliser goods is available within the general trade licence document.

    Contact ECJU

    General queries about strategic export licensing

    Export Control Joint Unit
    Department for Business and Trade
    Old Admiralty Building
    Admiralty Place
    London
    SW1A 2DY

    Email exportcontrol.help@businessandtrade.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7215 4594

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  • December 17, 2025: OFAC Updates Two Russia-related General Licenses, and related FAQs

    From the OFAC Notice yesterday:

    The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing Russia-related General License 55E, “Authorizing Certain Services Related to Sakhalin-2;” and Russia-related General License 115C, “Authorizing Certain Transactions Related to Civil Nuclear Energy.”

    Additionally, OFAC is amending eight Russia-related Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs 967, 978, 999, 1011, 1117, 1182, 1203, and 1216.

    Here are the two updated GLs:

    russia_gl55eDownload

    and:

    russia_gl115cDownload

    Here’s a link to a page with all the updated FAQs (in reverse numerical order, for some reason).

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  • OFSI amends General Licence INT/2025/5635700 amended, Russian Oil Exempt Projects

    On 17 December 2025, the General Licence INT/2025/5635700 was amended to add the Zohr project to the list of Exempt Projects. Additionally, the permissions of the General Licence were amended. The General Licence now authorises a Person to continue business operations and exercise shareholder rights in relation to an Exempt Project where the share registrar for that project is a Designated Person, including but not limited to the following activities:

    • A Person may make payments for administration fees in connection with share registrar services,
    • A Person may receive dividend payments that have been processed by, or by 
      reference to, a share registrar who is also a Designated Person. 

    Any persons intending to use General Licence INT/2025/5635700 should consult the copy of the Licence for full details of the permissions and usage requirements.

    PN_Document_Dec_2025_for_INT.2025.5635700Download

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  • Burning Question: Could President Trump undo all the OFAC Russian sanctions?

    The prompt:

    if President Trump revoked all the Executive Orders for all of the Russia-related sanctions programs (including Russia Harmful Foreign Activities, Ukraine/Russia-related sanctions and Magnitsky sanctions), what would be left of them due to any legislation passed by Congress, if anything?

    The result from Gemini:

    If President Trump were to revoke all Executive Orders (EOs) related to Russia, Ukraine, and Human Rights (Magnitsky), a significant portion of the sanctions regime would remain in force.

    This is because Congress has aggressively “codified” (written into permanent law) many of these sanctions over the last decade to prevent exactly this scenario. The President cannot overturn a statute with an Executive Order.

    Here is a breakdown of what would legally remain standing:

    1. The “2014-Era” Sanctions (Codified by CAATSA)

    The most durable layer of sanctions comes from the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) of 2017.

    • What stays: CAATSA Section 222 explicitly codified the Obama-era Executive Orders related to the invasion of Crimea (EOs 13660, 13661, 13662, and 13685).1
    • The Result: Even if the President signs a paper revoking these EOs, the sanctions exist as federal law. The “Sectoral Sanctions” (restrictions on Russian energy and banking debt/equity) and the blocking of major oligarchs designated under these authorities would remain legal obligations.
    • The Lock: To remove these, the President must prove to Congress that Russia has met specific hardline criteria (e.g., implementing the Minsk agreements), which is currently politically impossible.

    2. The Magnitsky Act (Human Rights)

    The prompt mentions “Magnitsky sanctions.” It is crucial to distinguish between the two types, as one is much harder to kill.

    • The Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012: This is a statute, not an EO. It targets Russians involved in the death of Sergei Magnitsky and other gross human rights violations.2 The President cannot revoke this program. He must enforce it by law.
    • The Global Magnitsky Act (GloMag): This is also a statute, though it is implemented via EO 13818.3 If the President revoked EO 13818, the mechanism for enforcing GloMag would pause, but the underlying law requiring the President to impose sanctions on human rights abusers would remain, creating a legal conflict until a new mechanism was created.

    3. The Sovereign Assets Freeze (REPO Act)

    Passed in April 2024 (as part of the foreign aid package), the REPO for Ukrainians Act creates a statutory lock on the frozen assets of the Russian Central Bank.

    • What stays: The Act explicitly prohibits the President from unblocking Russian sovereign assets (worth billions) until Russia withdraws from Ukraine and pays compensation.
    • The Result: Even if the President revokes EO 14024 (which originally blocked the Central Bank), the REPO Act overrides that revocation. The money stays frozen by statute.

    4. Trade and Energy Bans (2022 Laws)

    Congress passed two specific laws in 2022 that operate independently of Executive Orders:

    • The Oil Ban: The Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act makes it illegal to import Russian energy products (oil, gas, coal) into the U.S. A President cannot waive this without a new law.
    • The Tariff Hike: The Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act stripped Russia of “Most Favored Nation” trade status. This keeps tariffs on Russian goods incredibly high.

    5. Chemical Weapons Sanctions (CBW Act)

    Because the U.S. formally determined Russia used chemical weapons (Navalny/Skripal cases), the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 mandates specific sanctions.

    • What stays: Restrictions on arms sales, bank loans, and technology exports.
    • The Lock: These can only be removed if the President certifies to Congress that Russia has admitted inspectors and renounced chemical weapons.

    6. The “Gap”: What Would Actually Disappear?

    While the “floor” provided by Congress is high, revoking the EOs would still break the “ceiling” of the current maximum-pressure campaign.

    • The “New” Designations: While the REPO Act freezes the Central Bank, thousands of individual Russian elites, smaller banks, and defense companies were designated solely under EO 14024 (the 2021 “Harmful Foreign Activities” order). Because EO 14024 was issued after CAATSA (2017), it was not codified by that specific law.
    • Secondary Sanctions: The threat of secondary sanctions on foreign banks (China, Turkey, UAE) for aiding Russia’s military-industrial base relies heavily on recent amendments to EO 14024.4 Revoking the EO would eliminate this specific tool.

    Summary: The Congressional Veto

    Finally, CAATSA Section 216 acts as a safety valve for all of the above. It created a “Congressional Review” process.

    • If the President tries to “terminate” or “waive” sanctions on Russia, he must notify Congress.
    • Congress has 30 days to pass a Joint Resolution of Disapproval.
    • If passed (and capable of overriding a veto), this Resolution legally stops the President from removing the sanctions.

    Bottom Line: If the Executive Orders were revoked, the energy ban, tariffs, central bank asset freeze, and 2014-era sanctions would legally remain. The primary loss would be the specific blocking of individuals and companies designated only under the post-2021 authorities (EO 14024), though Congress would likely move to block that revocation immediately.

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  • December 12, 2025: OFSI amends General License INT/2022/1839676

    The amended license is extended to May 22, 2028 – here’s the more user-friendly Publication Notice:

    Russia_Travel_Publication_NoticeDownload

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  • OFAC Russia-related General License 131 gets updated

    OFAC today issued a notice announcing the release of Russia-related General License 131A “Authorizing Certain Transactions for the Negotiation of and Entry Into Contingent Contracts for the Sale of Lukoil International GmbH and Related Maintenance Activities.” Here’s a simplified version:

    What is this document?

    This is a permission slip (General License) issued by the U.S. Treasury Department on December 10, 2025. It updates and replaces the previous “General License No. 131.”

    What does it allow?

    It temporarily authorizes two main types of activities related to Lukoil International GmbH (LIG), which is the international arm of the Russian oil company Lukoil:

    1. Negotiating a Sale: Companies are allowed to negotiate and sign “contingent” contracts to buy LIG (or its subsidiaries) from Lukoil.
      • Note: “Contingent” means the deal cannot be finalized or executed yet. You can sign the paperwork, but the actual transfer of ownership requires separate, future approval.
    2. Keeping the Lights On: It allows for the necessary transactions to keep LIG’s operations running (maintenance) or to wind them down safely. This ensures the business doesn’t collapse while potential sales are being discussed.

    When does it expire?

    These activities are authorized until January 17, 2026 (specifically at 12:01 a.m. EST).

    What does it NOT allow?

    • It does not allow the actual completion of the sale or transfer of assets (only the negotiation and signing of the initial agreement).
    • It does not unblock frozen funds or property, except for the specific maintenance tasks allowed.
    • It does not allow payments to other sanctioned (blocked) persons unless specifically authorized.

    Why was this issued?

    This license essentially creates a window of time for Lukoil to potentially divest (sell off) its international business to non-sanctioned parties, while preventing the international branch from failing in the meantime.

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