meta_id 3111292

On April 29, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued Russia-related General License 131E, authorizing certain transactions for the negotiation of and entry into contingent contracts for the sale of Lukoil International GmbH and related maintenance activities. The general license permits specified transactions related to the potential sale of Lukoil International GmbH, a Russia-related entity, while maintaining compliance with U.S. sanctions programmes. The license authorizes parties to engage in negotiations and enter into contingent contracts necessary for facilitating the sale transaction, as well as activities related to the maintenance of the entity during this period. This authorization operates within the framework of OFAC's existing Russia sanctions regime and allows for limited commercial activity where otherwise prohibited. Concurrently, OFAC amended two Russia-related Frequently Asked Questions—FAQs 1224 and 1225—to provide clarification and guidance on the application and scope of the general license. These amendments are intended to assist regulated entities and stakeholders in understanding their obligations and permissible activities under the new authorization. Entities engaged in transactions involving Lukoil International GmbH or seeking to undertake activities authorized under General License 131E should review the full license terms and the updated FAQs for specific requirements and limitations. Additional information regarding OFAC's Russia sanctions programmes, including the general license, updated guidance, and the Specially Designated Nationals List, is available on OFAC's official website.