Duma Proposal: Loan Relief for Residents of New Regions

The State Duma of the Russian Federation has introduced a draft law aimed at easing financial pressure on residents living in the newly formed regions. The proposal, published on the Duma website, seeks to relieve these residents from the obligation to repay loans that were issued by Ukrainian counterparties or under Ukrainian banking schemes. The bill frames this relief as a targeted measure for people who now reside in areas that joined Russia and are governed by its legal and administrative framework. It outlines the rationale behind the move, emphasizing relief for individuals and families who would otherwise face ongoing debt service in a context of significant regional realignment, while preserving the overall financial stability of the country. The measure is presented as a temporary fiscal safeguard designed to support regional integration and local livelihoods during a period of transition and adjustment for households affected by cross-border credit exposure.