Blocking Property With Respect To Harmful Foreign Activities of Russia

Apr 19, 2021

Summary

Blocks the money and property of people and groups from Russia who are doing things that harm the United States and its allies.

What problem does this solve?

The Russian government has tried to weaken free elections, launch computer-based attacks, and use corruption to influence other governments. This order freezes the money and property of those involved and stops them from entering the U.S. to protect American security.

What does this order do?

Declares a national emergency

States that harmful foreign activities by the Russian government are an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.

Blocks property and assets

Freezes all property and money in the U.S. belonging to certain people and groups connected to the Russian government's harmful actions. This means they cannot be transferred, paid, or used.

Suspends entry into the United States

Stops people who are sanctioned under this order from entering the U.S. as immigrants or visitors because their entry is considered harmful to American interests.

Targets specific Russian economic sectors

Allows for sanctions against people and companies operating in Russia's technology sector, defense sector, or any other sector determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.

Sanctions for election interference and cyber-attacks

Blocks the property of anyone involved in interfering with U.S. or foreign elections, conducting malicious cyber activities, or undermining democratic processes on behalf of Russia.

Targets Russian government officials and their families

Includes leaders, officials, and senior executive officers of the Russian government, as well as their spouses and adult children, in the list of people who can be sanctioned.

Prohibits trying to get around the sanctions

Makes it illegal to engage in any transaction or plan that tries to evade or avoid the rules set forth in this order.

Who does this affect?

Russian government officials and their families
Individuals and companies in Russia's technology and defense sectors
Persons involved in cyber-attacks or election interference for Russia

What is the real world impact?

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Punishes harmful actions against the U.S.

Imposes economic costs on Russia for specific actions, including interfering in democratic elections, carrying out malicious cyber activities, and targeting dissidents or journalists abroad.

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Applies diplomatic pressure

Uses economic sanctions as a tool of foreign policy to discourage the Russian government from continuing activities that threaten the national security and interests of the United States and its partners.

When does this start?

This executive order became effective on April 15, 2021, the day it was signed.