Europe: Conflict-related sanctions and restrictions continue to cause disruptions throughout the region as of early February /update 10

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

General Disruptions, Increased Security
Russian authorities introduced a high-alert regime in seaports in Leningrad Oblast on Feb. 6, due to the elevated risk of drone strikes. On the Baltic Sea, occasional GPS disruptions occur, likely in conjunction with Russian training exercises in Kaliningrad. Russian and Ukrainian authorities maintain heightened security in their shared border regions, which are increasingly impacted by artillery and drone strikes. Russian regional authorities could declare states of emergency following airstrikes. NATO aircraft periodically scramble to intercept Russian aircraft breaching NATO airspace. No significant incidents have occurred since June 2023.

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. Cybersecurity analysts have identified Russian military intelligence as becoming more aggressive and direct in its attacks. Cyberattacks are often carried out in response to actions of target governments or entities perceived to be against Russia's interests.

Travel and Border Restrictions, Disruptions
Most Western governments, including the US, the UK, EU member states, and Canada, continue to advise against travel to Russia and to depart when safe to do so. Additionally, several nations have tightened visa requirements for Russian nationals and have restricted most nonessential travel by Russian citizens. Entry of Russian-registered vehicles has been banned from entry in the EU. EU member states bordering Russia and Belarus occasionally close their land borders with Russia, usually in response to border incidents; Finnish and Polish authorities claim that Russia and Belarus could be weaponizing illegal migration to destabilize domestic politics. European farmers and truckers in countries bordering Ukraine occasionally launch protests and border blockades denouncing the uncontrolled entry of Ukrainian haulers and agricultural products in the EU markets.

Diplomatic Developments, Sanctions
Most Western countries continue to maintain sanctions against Russia, including the EU member states, G7 nations, the UK, Australia, Norway, and New Zealand. EU authorities regularly submit and approve further rounds of sanctions on Russia; the latest sanctions package was adopted on Dec. 19, 2023. Sanctions target prominent Russian citizens connected with Moscow's military efforts, related businesses, and Russia's energy market. 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. Russian authorities respond by nationalizing some non-Russian companies' assets on the federation's territory; the number is likely to increase through 2024. Russia has tightened visa requirements for citizens of EU countries and banned certain categories of EU officials from entering Russia.