Europe: Conflict-related sanctions and restrictions continue to cause disruptions throughout the region as of Dec. 12 /update 5

Sanctions and restrictions imposed by various governments in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine continue to cause disruptions across Europe as of Dec. 12.

Polish truck drivers resumed protests on the Polish-Ukrainian border as of Dec. 12 after temporarily suspending the action and allowing traffic to move on Dec. 11. On Dec. 11, Slovak truckers reportedly started a blockade at the Vysne Nemecke-Uzhhorod border crossing point, and Hungarian truck drivers also joined the blockades at the Zahony-Chop border crossing point. The purpose of the protests is to denounce increased competition from Ukrainian drivers in the EU since the beginning of the conflict.

On Dec. 12, the Ukrainian telecommunications company Kyivstar was reportedly hit by a cyber attack that caused severe service disruptions throughout the country. Phone and internet services have been largely unavailable; it remains unclear when services may resume. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is investigating the incident.

Finland is considering reopening its border with Russia as of early December due to a considerable decrease in illegal immigration. The border was closed on Nov. 30 after waves of immigrants without proper documentation, allegedly facilitated by Russia, attempted to cross into Finland.

German authorities reportedly closed German diplomatic representations in the Russian cities of Kaliningrad, Novosibirsk, and Yekaterinburg as of early December; the remaining active German diplomatic representations in Russia are in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Diplomatic support to German citizens in Russia and visa proceedings will likely be severely impacted by the closures. The decision is likely in line with the gradual reciprocal decrease of Russian and German diplomatic personnel in both countries due to allegations of espionage.

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. The Russian offensive cybersecurity group Sandworm has reportedly sharpened its tools, engaging in cyber-espionage operations and data exfiltration rather than disruptive operations. Most cyberattacks remain concentrated on Ukrainian critical national infrastructure; however, unclaimed data breaches and attacks on major Western organizations continue.

Transport Disruptions
Truckers in Poland launched a strike on the Polish-Ukrainian border starting Nov. 6 over increased competition by Ukrainian transporters. Truckers are blocking the border crossing points of Medyka-Shehyni, Korczowa-Krakowets, Hrebenne-Rava Ruska, and Dorohusk-Yahodin, on a 24-hour basis. The strike is ongoing as of early December. The action has increased wait times at freight crossing points along the border between the two countries.

The Baltic states and Bulgaria imposed border closures and bans on Russian citizens or vehicles as of early October. 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.

Ukrainian authorities and global shipping insurers have entered a deal to reduce the cost of coverage for vessels carrying agricultural commodities through the so-called “humanitarian corridor” set up for vessels to reach the ports of Greater Odesa and bypass Russian naval forces. As part of the deal, the Ukrainian state is to cover the first portion of any claims up to an undisclosed amount. The decision follows an incident on a civilian Liberian-flagged cargo ship that was reportedly struck by a Russian missile on Nov. 8, killing at least one crew member, while navigating the corridor.

Sanctions and Diplomatic Relations
Multiple governments are maintaining sanctions against Russia, including EU and G7 nations, the UK, Australia, Norway, and New Zealand. EU authorities officially submitted the proposal for a further round of sanctions on Russia on Nov. 15, reportedly targeting up to EUR 5.3 billion in imports and exports in Russia. The latest sanctions package is also expected to add 120 names to the list of sanctioned Russian citizens, set a new oil price cap, ban the import of liquid propane gas (LPG) from Russia, target the diamond market, and dual-use technology imported and exported in Russia. 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. 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.

Furthermore, 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.

The Finnish Consulate General in Saint Petersburg remains closed, as does the Russian Consulate General in Turku, Finland.