On November 1, 2025, thousands of Russian citizens who fled dictatorship and the criminal war, and who are lawfully residing within the territory of the European Union, faced the unexpected closure of their bank accounts.
One of the major companies operating in the EU banking sector justified its decision by referring to the need to comply with the 19th package of sanctions imposed on the Russian economy on October 24. The company claims that the new sanctions policy prohibits servicing any bank accounts held by citizens of Russia and Belarus who do not possess a valid temporary or permanent residence permit within the EU.
Unfortunately, as experience shows, this interpretation is unlikely to remain an isolated case.
European bureaucracy appears to be far more effective in restricting access to basic financial services for ordinary citizens unwilling to support the criminal war than in implementing measures that genuinely limit the revenues of the Putin regime or control exports of goods used for killing.
As a result, holders of long-term humanitarian visas, as well as individuals awaiting decisions on their residence permit applications and possessing relevant documentation from migration authorities, have been deprived of access to essential financial services — including the ability to pay rent, receive legal income, and care for their families.
Such discriminatory measures against all Russian citizens provide new opportunities for the Kremlin’s propaganda machine to mobilize the population ideologically. Even those who wish to break free and refuse to participate in the regime’s crimes receive a clear signal: escape is impossible.
We firmly believe that sanctions restrictions must not affect individuals who have been granted humanitarian visas or are awaiting their issuance. Doing so contradicts the very essence and purpose of humanitarian protection. We call upon the European authorities to issue appropriate clarifications to prevent further misapplication of sanctions.
We are convinced that our compatriots who have spoken out against the war and found refuge in Europe have the right to live a normal and dignified life.