Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has signed a decree extending the prohibition on exporting cartridges for rifled civilian and service firearms, along with cartridge cases for rifled weapons of specific calibers, through the end of 2025. The press service of the Russian government confirmed the measure, noting that the decision has been officially signed and will remain in effect for another two years. The extension comes after an initial ban that began in May 2023, a move that sought to regulate firearms-related trade while preserving Russia’s security and strategic interests. The restrictions do not apply to cartridges and cartridge cases intended for the armed forces of the Russian Federation, other military formations, or activities that support national defense readiness. In explaining the extension, the government stated that protecting state interests and ensuring Russia’s security posture were the guiding purposes of the decision.
Separately, President Vladimir Putin issued a decree that remains in force through the end of 2025, extending a policy that bans foreigners from unfriendly states from engaging in transactions involving shares in strategic Russian companies. The restriction also covers a group of banks and other enterprises, including entities within the fuel and energy sector. This broad constraint is part of a broader framework designed to limit foreign influence over critical sectors and to safeguard strategic assets from external pressure during a period of geopolitical tension. Analysts note that the measure affects investment flows and may influence capital movements while Russia emphasizes national sovereignty over strategic industries. The decree aligns with earlier prohibitions that restrict foreign involvement in sensitive sectors deemed vital to the country’s economic and security infrastructure.
Commentators have observed how these actions fit into a wider pattern of policy responses to external economic pressures. International coverage continues to discuss how Western corporate presence in Russia has diminished since the policy shifts began, with several high-profile exits cited by major news organizations. The ongoing restrictions are part of a complex landscape of sanctions, export controls, and state-led maneuvers that shape Russia’s trade and investment environment. Observers also point to the potential ripple effects on domestic suppliers, importers, and defense-related industries, which must navigate both regulatory constraints and shifts in global supply chains. The government asserts that maintaining strategic autonomy and safeguarding essential industries justify these measures, while foreign partners reassess risk in light of evolving rules and governance practices.
Overall, the extended bans reflect Russia’s longer view on controlling access to weapons-related materials and on limiting foreign influence over critical economic assets. For businesses and policymakers, the developments underscore the importance of clear regulatory understanding, risk assessment, and strategic planning to adapt to a tightened yet stable policy framework through 2025. The response from international markets and partner countries will likely continue to be shaped by ongoing diplomatic negotiations, economic strategy, and the broader geopolitical narrative surrounding Russia’s role in global affairs. The evolving situation will warrant careful monitoring as new official statements and amendments are issued in the months ahead, with authorities reiterating their commitment to preserving national security while managing the financial and industrial consequences of these prohibitions. (Source: Reuters, 2025)