Publication

This commentary discusses the ways in which Russian companies that are targeted for international economic sanctions as a result of Russia's 2014 involvement in Crimea have managed to evade these measures. The methods include 1) altering share structures, 2) concealing factual ownership by “relinquishing” legal ownership to proxy companies, and 3) by changing ownership to close associates or family. Additionally, the author explains how Russian president Vladimir Putin creates mutual benefit for the Russian government and businessmen while escaping economic sanctions, and the response of Western business to a sanctioned Russia.