Europe: Conflict-related sanctions and restrictions continue to cause disruptions throughout the region as of Nov. 2 /update 3

Sanctions and restrictions imposed by various governments in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine continue to cause disruptions across Europe as of Nov. 2.

Truckers in Poland plan to launch a 2-month strike on the Polish-Ukrainian border starting Nov. 3 over increased competition by Ukrainian transporters. The strike is likely in line with previous demonstrations by agricultural sector workers, which proposed bans on Ukrainian agricultural products due to unfair competition. Unless averted, the action could increase wait times at freight crossing points along the border between the two countries.

EU authorities plan to impose a further round of sanctions on Russia in early November, reportedly targeting up to EUR 5.3 billion in imports and exports in Russia. The latest sanctions package is also expected to target third countries engaging in commercial activity with Russia, the diamond market, and dual-use technology imported and exported in Russia.

US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control reportedly issued sanctions on Turkish and UAE shipping companies Lumber Marine SA and Ice Pearl Navigation Corp. The companies transported Russian oil and broke the price cap imposed in an attempt to reduce Russia's income based on the oil market.

Travel Restrictions
Multiple governments, including Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Poland, the UK, and the US, have issued travel advisories calling on their nationals to avoid travel to Russia and for those currently in that country to depart by commercial means immediately or when it is safe to do so. Additionally, several nations have tightened visa requirements for Russian nationals. Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, and the Czech Republic restrict most non-essential travel by Russian citizens. In response, Russia has tightened visa requirements for citizens of EU countries and banned certain categories of EU officials from entering Russia.

Heightened Security and General Disruptions
Several countries bordering Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia have implemented heightened security. Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia, and Latvia have enacted states of emergency. Ukraine has closed its border checkpoints with Belarus, Russia, and the breakaway Transnistria region of Moldova to foreign nationals; however, Ukrainian citizens are permitted to return. Belarus has also implemented enhanced security measures on its border with Ukraine.

Russia is maintaining heightened security in regions bordering Ukraine and has raised the terrorism threat level to the maximum "Security Level 3" at all airports in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Enhanced security measures, including additional patrols and checkpoints, and intensive baggage, vehicle, and passenger checks are likely while Security Level 3 is in force, prompting possible passenger processing delays.

Cyber Threats
Russian-backed hackers have maintained a constant campaign of cyberattacks against Ukrainian, NATO, EU, and other Western entities, principally targeting government and defense-related organizations. Cyberattacks are often carried out in response to actions of target governments or entities perceived to be against Russia's interests. Cybersecurity analysts have identified Russian military intelligence as becoming more aggressive and direct in its attacks. As of late September, Russian hackers reportedly target Kyiv institutional networks, including government agencies investigating war crimes in the ongoing conflict. According to Ukrainian authorities, Moscow-sanctioned hackers are collecting information on the ongoing investigations, evidence, and lists of Russian prisoners of war.

Transport Disruptions
In early October, Bulgaria banned the entry of vehicles with Russian license plates, following similar decisions by Estonia, Latvia, Finland, and Lithuania. The ban on vehicles with Russian plates is due to ongoing sanctions targeting Russian vehicles. Authorities in the EU confirmed the ban of specific goods from Russia, effectively allowing border authorities to confiscate illegal items held by Russian citizens upon crossing the EU external border.

Reciprocal flight bans and airspace closures remain in effect between Russia and numerous Western-aligned countries, including EU member states, the UK, Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan. Turkish authorities have suspended flights of Russian-operated Boeing and Airbus aircraft due to international sanctions, significantly reducing air travel between the two countries.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative ended on July 17 following Russian accusations that Western sanctions were impacting its ability to export grain and fertilizer. Ukrainian authorities reportedly brokered a deal with the Romanian and Bulgarian authorities to set up a “humanitarian corridor,” allowing shipping to navigate the territorial waters of the two countries in order to reach Turkey. As of early November, shipments have increased following the July 17 interruption of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Occasional incidents with Russian naval units cruising near the corridor might occur.

Sanctions and Diplomatic Relations
Multiple governments are maintaining sanctions against Russia, including EU and G7 nations, as well as the UK, Australia, Norway, and New Zealand. The EU imposed an eleventh package of sanctions on June 21, expanding bans on various goods and dual-use products. EU sanctions have been extended through Jan. 31, 2024. Additionally, restrictions may be imposed on third countries and non-Russian companies perceived as not doing enough to stop Moscow from evading the bloc's sanctions. The US has placed restrictions on several companies accused of aiding Russian sanctions circumvention, including entities based in Kyrgyzstan, the UAE, and Serbia. The companies were sanctioned for dealing in Russia's aerospace, technology, electronics, and semiconductor sectors.

Multiple governments have expelled numerous Russian diplomats on various grounds, including espionage and other national security concerns, provoking reciprocal expulsions by Moscow. The moves may reduce available consular services in each country, though core services will likely be maintained while diplomatic missions remain open. Aside from governmental sanctions, hundreds of companies have voluntarily suspended or terminated their Russian operations.

Authorities in Russia will withdraw a permit allowing the Finnish Consulate General in Saint Petersburg to operate from Oct. 1, effectively forcing its closure, and expel nine Finnish diplomats in retaliation for Finland expelling nine Russian diplomats in June. Finland has denounced the move and, in response, will withdraw operating permission for the Russian Consulate General in Turku on the same day.