Russian Lawmakers Vote to Uphold Harsh Asset Freeze Bill

The Russian State Duma is set to vote on an updated version of a bill that would restrict banking and property services for individuals designated as “exiled critics,” according to a report by The Moscow Times. The legislation, which builds on a milder version passed in December 2025, includes broader measures targeting those who have left Russia and are critical of the government, according to the report.

The earlier iteration of the bill, approved in the State Duma’s first reading in December 2025, focused on freezing assets and denying consular services to individuals deemed to be “foreign agents” or “undesirable persons.” The updated proposal, however, introduces provisions that would cut off access to banking systems and property transactions, effectively isolating targeted individuals from financial and real estate markets, the report states.

The Moscow Times cited unnamed officials and legislative documents as sources for the report, which highlights the bill’s potential to expand the government’s tools for exerting pressure on critics abroad. The law, if passed, would require banks and property registries to comply with restrictions on transactions involving individuals listed under the new criteria, according to the report.

State Duma spokeswoman Irina Yarovaya confirmed the bill’s upcoming vote but did not provide details on its provisions, citing the need to review the final text. “The Duma is considering various proposals to strengthen legal frameworks for dealing with individuals who have severed ties with Russia and are engaged in activities against state interests,” she said in a statement released on July 20, 2026.

The bill’s focus on “exiled critics” aligns with broader trends in Russian legislation targeting dissent. In recent years, the government has expanded definitions of “foreign agents” and “undesirable organizations,” often citing national security concerns. The new measures could further complicate the ability of critics to operate financially outside Russia, according to analysts.

Human rights groups have raised concerns about the potential impact of the legislation. “This bill represents another step toward criminalizing dissent and isolating critics abroad,” said a representative from the Moscow-based NGO Memorial, which monitors political repression in Russia. “It undermines the rights of individuals to engage in legitimate activities without fear of financial retaliation.”

The State Duma’s vote is expected to take place in the coming weeks, with the bill then moving to the upper legislative chamber, the Federation Council, for approval. If enacted, the law would take effect 30 days after publication, according to the report.

The updated bill’s provisions reflect a shift in the government’s approach to managing dissent. While earlier measures focused on domestic restrictions, the new law targets individuals who have left Russia, signaling an effort to extend influence beyond the country’s borders. This aligns with recent actions by the Russian government, including the designation of opposition figures as “foreign agents” and the blocking of media outlets deemed critical of the state.

International observers have noted the potential for the law to strain diplomatic relations. “This kind of legislation risks further isolating Russia and could lead to retaliatory measures from countries hosting exiled critics,” said a Europe-based analyst specializing in Russian policy, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic.

The Moscow Times report underscores the ongoing tension between Russia’s legislative actions and its international commitments. The country has faced repeated criticism from the European Union and the United States for restricting freedoms and targeting dissidents. The new bill, if passed, could intensify these pressures, particularly if it is seen as a tool for retaliating against critics abroad.