Criticism of Russia’s war against Ukraine, calls for sanctions, or any other action the Kremlin deems a threat to its interests could soon cost Russian citizens their homes, bank accounts, and other assets. According to the Russian independent media outlet Meduza, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin signed a new law that would enable authorities to seize the property of citizens living abroad for a wide range of so-called administrative offenses committed “against the interests of the Russian Federation.” JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. International and independent media reports that the law, set to take effect on Sept. 1, will target Russians who left the country but challenged official narratives or were vocally against the war. Grounds for property seizure include “discrediting” the Russian army, calling for sanctions against Russia, distributing “extremist” materials (a deliberately vague term – for example, LGBTQ+ rights are banned in Russia due to being seen as ‘extremist’), “promoting Nazi symbols,” failing to pay fines for such offenses and publicly equating Soviet leadership with Nazi Germany. Insulting the head of state or other officials, violating foreign-agent rules, spreading “fake information” and participating in “undesirable” organizations also fall under the expanded list of trigger offenses. The law allows for assets to be seized as a “precautionary measure,” even before a final court ruling is issued. In practice, this means that property can be frozen and remain under restriction until any imposed fine is paid.