Russia’s classification of certain countries as “unfriendly” has now extended into domestic areas including 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 formalised 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, all of which have reacted against Russia’s aggression.
Recently, the Russian government 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.
In a notable child custody 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.
Moreover, 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.
Additionally, President Putin has signed a decree declaring individuals unable to prove Russian citizenship or residency as being from unfriendly countries. 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.
