Europe: Conflict-related sanctions and restrictions continue to cause disruptions throughout the region as of Dec. 20 /update 6

Sanctions and restrictions imposed by various governments in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine continue to cause disruptions across Europe as of Dec. 20.

Polish truck drivers, joined by farmers, have reportedly returned to block the Dorohusk-Yahodin crossing since Dec. 18 after a temporary lift of the blockade on the Poland-Ukraine border on Dec. 11. Lengthy queues of trucks seeking to enter Poland remain at the crossing as of Dec. 20, and will likely remain in place until authorities clear the protesting truckers. Ukrainian trucks remain blockaded at the Medyka-Shehyni, Korczowa-Krakowets, and Hrebenne-Rava Ruska crossings; however, it is possible that the blockades at these crossings may disperse in the coming days.

Finnish authorities closed all of the border crossing points with Russia as of mid-December following a temporary reopening of the crossings on Dec. 14; Helsinki previously closed all border crossings with Russia on Nov. 30 following an increase of illegal migration via the shared border; Finland continues to accuse Russia of weaponizing migrants in an attempt to destabilize Finland’s domestic politics.

On Dec. 12, the Ukrainian telecommunications company Kyivstar was reportedly hit by a cyber attack that caused severe service disruptions throughout the country. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is investigating the incident.

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 nonessential 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. Russian hackers reportedly targeted 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
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.

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 trade. The package adds 120 names to the list of sanctioned Russian citizens, sets a new oil price cap, bans the import of liquid propane gas (LPG) from Russia, and targets the diamond market and dual-use technology. Additional 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 reportedly transported Russian oil sold above the sanction price cap.

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.