State Duma Expected to Vote on Updated Bill Cutting Off Exiled Critics From Banking and Property Services, Report Says

July 20, 2026 A session of Russia's lower-house State Duma. Moskva News Agency Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, plans to fast-track an expanded piece of legislation that would cut off exiled anti-war Russians from online banking, real estate transactions and consular services, independent media reported Monday. According to the news outlet Mozhem Obyasnit, the bill targets individuals convicted in absentia of “discrediting” the Russian military, participating in “undesirable” organizations, being designated as “foreign agents” and calling for sanctions against Russia or separatism. Under the proposed measures, banks will be barred from granting targeted individuals access to mobile apps or online banking services. Individuals would also be blocked from completing real estate transactions. While their funds remain frozen, courts could seize money from those accounts to cover legal costs, court damages or defamation lawsuits. Remaining frozen funds could also be drawn to support family members still living in Russia. The State Duma previously passed a milder version of the bill — which included basic asset freezes and the denial of consular services — in its first reading last December. Its second reading is scheduled for Wednesday, according to Mozhem Obyasnit, ahead of the State Duma’s final full working session on Thursday before the current convocation winds down next Monday. If approved by the upper-house Federation Council and signed by President Vladimir Putin, the law would take effect immediately. The proposal follows a separate law signed by Putin last month, taking effect Sept. 1, which allows the confiscation of property and bank funds belonging to Russians living abroad who are accused of acting “against Russia’s interests.” While courts have routinely fined exiled Kremlin critics, this new legislation expands and formalizes the government's ability to strip exiled journalists, activists and dissidents of their assets and rights to services even when living abroad. Read more about: State Duma Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russia’s State Duma Speaker Demands USAID Funding Lists From Congress “Those who were funded from abroad should publicly apologize and seek penance on Red Square,” Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said. 2 Min read Russian Lawmaker Calls for Cold Case Investigation Into Lermontov’s Death Renowned writer Mikhail Lermontov was fatally shot by his military classmate during a duel in July 1841. 1 Min read Russian Lawmakers Pass Bill Paving Way for Taliban’s Removal From Terrorist List The legislation outlines a legal mechanism for groups to be removed from the Russia’s official list of outlawed “terrorist” groups. 2 Min read Russia to Introduce Language Exams for Migrant Children to Enroll In School The latest ban comes amid renewed anti-migrant sentiment and a raft of new legislation targeting migrants in the country. 1 Min read