Russia not added to FATF's "blacklist" again – sources

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has once again failed to add Russia to its "blacklist" during a meeting on 22 October.

Source: European Pravda, citing sources familiar with the FATF meeting in Paris

Details: Following the meeting, which takes place three times a year, FATF member states were unable to reach a consensus on blacklisting Russia. Ukraine has repeatedly requested this action since April 2022.

In 2022, FATF publicly condemned Russian aggression, calling it unacceptable and contrary to its core principles. In February 2023, Russia's membership in the FATF was indefinitely suspended.

FATF, founded by the Group of Seven (G7), comprises 39 countries, including Russia (whose membership is currently suspended). In addition to the G7, member countries include China, India and South Africa, which have refrained from imposing sanctions and restrictions on Russia.

Notably, the latest FATF meeting coincided with the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia.

Politico writes that Ukraine has been urging Russia’s inclusion in the FATF blacklist. Ukraine cited Russia’s close cooperation with countries already on the list, such as Iran and North Korea, as well as Russia's financing of private military groups like the Wagner Group and their illegal activities.

In addition, the Ukrainian side urged FATF to pay attention to the role of Telegram channels and cryptocurrency transactions in financing terrorism by Russia and laundering money obtained from goods stolen from Ukraine, such as grain and minerals.

Ahead of the FATF meeting, European Pravda reached out to Ukraine’s Sanctions Commissioner, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, regarding the prospects of including Russia in the FATF blacklist.

Quote: "Yes, this issue is indeed on the agenda. We constantly provide new evidence showing that the Russian Federation is violating UN sanctions, particularly through its cooperation with North Korea," Vlasiuk noted.

In February 2024, FATF also held a meeting during which Russia was not included in the organisation's blacklist. At that time, Ukrainian officials had also called on FATF to take such action.

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