"Putin's Power Moves: Asset Freezes, Windfall Tax, and Criminalizing NGOs"

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law allowing Russian banks and financial institutions to freeze the assets of sanctioned foreign organizations and individuals. The law enables Moscow to block funds and property of legal entities controlled by foreigners against whom Russia has imposed "special economic measures." It also restricts financial transactions carried out in the interests of sanctioned foreigners, with penalties for violators. However, sanctioned foreigners are allowed to receive wages, pensions, and allowances in their Russian bank accounts, with spending limited to 10,000 rubles ($100) per family member each month. The law will come into effect 180 days after its publication.