United States softens financial restrictions on several Russian corporations
Following a presidential executive order signed by Donald Trump, several Russian companies, including Rosoboronexport and Promsryeimport, have been removed from U.S. sanctions specifically related to Syria. This decision, effective from July 1, 2025, marks the end of a long-standing sanctions program on Syria that aimed to support stability and peace in the country after years of civil war.
However, it is essential to note that while the Syria-related restrictions have been lifted, Rosoboronexport remains under sanctions for other reasons, including U.S. programs related to Ukraine, Iran, and Russia more broadly. This differentiation means that although the Syria-related restrictions were lifted, Rosoboronexport is still sanctioned for its involvement in activities concerning Ukraine, Iran, and North Korea.
The reasons for Rosoboronexport's original sanctioning include its role in exporting arms to support the Bashar al-Assad regime during the Syrian civil war, sanctions related to Russia's military actions and invasion of Ukraine, and involvement in arms transfers or activities that contribute to the proliferation of weapons to Iran and North Korea.
The lifting of restrictions on Rosoboronexport and Promsryeimport is a response to changes in the Syrian government and not a result of any changes in the relationship between the U.S. and Russia. The sanctions against former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his associates remain in effect.
In addition, the sanctions for cooperation with Iran and North Korea continue to be in place. The sanctions against RF Bank, Tempbank, and their chairman Mikhail Gagloev have also been lifted. The companies Rosoboronexport and Promsryeimport are no longer subject to these restrictions.
This targeted approach by the U.S. aims to balance easing restrictions in support of peace in Syria without compromising its stance on Russia's broader military and geopolitical activities. The U.S. Treasury has provided updated information regarding the removal of certain Russian companies from American sanctions.
In summary:
| Aspect | Status after July 1, 2025 | Reasoning | |--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | Syria-related sanctions | Lifted | To support stability and peace in Syria | | Ukraine-related sanctions | Remain in place | Due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine | | Iran and North Korea sanctions | Remain in place | Due to arms proliferation concerns | | Rosoboronexport overall status | Partly delisted (Syria sanctions lifted) | Only Syria designation removed; other sanctions remain |
These changes in the Syrian government at the end of 2024 have prompted this reassessment, and the lifting of restrictions is a response to these changes rather than a general relaxation of sanctions against Russia.
- The sanctions against Rosoboronexport for activities related to Ukraine, Iran, and North Korea remain in effect, despite the lifting of Syria-specific sanctions.
- The decision to lift Syria-related sanctions on Rosoboronexport and Promsryeimport is not indicative of a broader relaxation in U.S. sanctions on Russia, as the restrictions for cooperation with Iran and North Korea, as well as those related to Ukraine, continue to be enforced.
