Russia Expands 'Unfriendly Nations' List to Include Domestic Issues

Russia's classification of certain countries as "unfriendly" has been expanded to include domestic areas such as courts, family law, and financial obligations. This change follows a series of government decrees and decisions affecting individuals within these nations. The list of unfriendly countries was formalized in March 2022 as a retaliation move shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It includes the US, the UK, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, and EU member states.

The Russian government has taken several measures affecting countries on the unfriendly list. Recently, Russia increased import duties on alcohol from these countries, raising the rate from 20% to 35%, which predominantly impacts European and North American manufacturers. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that foreign firms' Russian assets have been placed under temporary administration due to their home countries being on the unfriendly list. This has affected companies like Nestlé, Auchan, and Leroy Merlin.

The expanded classification has also impacted child custody cases. In a notable case, Russia's Supreme Court referenced the unfriendly countries designation, stating that sending a child back to France could be against her interests since France is on the list. This stems from a case involving Russian citizen Alexei Ermakov, who took his daughter on holiday and subsequently arranged her Russian citizenship, leading to a court ruling against her return to France, despite international agreements favouring her return.

A proposed law in the State Duma would permit vehicles stolen or illegally exported from unfriendly countries to be registered in Russia. Supporters argue this policy responds to legal issues arising from strained relations with Western nations, while critics claim it undermines property protections. The law aims to address issues arising from the current tensions between Russia and these countries.

President Putin has signed a decree declaring individuals unable to prove Russian citizenship or residency as being from unfriendly countries. This move is seen as a way to respond to the current tensions with Western nations. The decree has raised concerns among human rights groups and critics who argue that it could lead to increased tensions and undermine the rights of individuals.

Another decree allows Russian debtors to delay payments to creditors in these nations, deviating from traditional contract principles that ensure equal treatment of all parties. This approach contrasts with established international laws, such as the 1980 Hague Convention on Child Abduction, which mandates the return of children taken across borders without consent. The implications of this decree on international business and relations remain to be seen.

The expanded classification of unfriendly countries has significant implications for Russia's relations with Western nations. The moves have been seen as a way to retaliate against the sanctions and criticism from these countries. However, critics argue that these measures will only exacerbate the tensions and undermine Russia's relationships with these nations. The long-term effects of these policies on Russia's economy and international standing remain to be seen.

Key points

• Russia's expanded 'unfriendly nations' list affects domestic areas, including courts, family law, and financial obligations.