Legal strategies of Russian companies under international sanctions

This article is dedicated to the analysis of the legal foundations and consequences of international sanctions imposed against Russian financial institutions. It examines the legal grounds for such measures, including United Nations Security Council resolutions and national laws, particularly executive orders of the President of the United States. The extraterritorial nature of secondary sanctions, which target third parties and provoke criticism for violating principles of sovereignty and legal certainty, is discussed. The article also explores how Russian companies adapt to the conditions of the sanctions regime, employing various legal strategies to minimize negative impacts. Based on a survey of over 50 companies, methods for circumventing restrictions are identified, such as using intermediaries for financial transactions and parallel imports of goods. The findings highlight the necessity of considering international obligations when imposing sanctions and open avenues for challenging their legality in arbitration courts. This article serves as a valuable resource for understanding the legal aspects of sanction pressure on Russian businesses and offers practical recommendations for companies under restrictions.