Discriminatory interference with the property rights of Ukrainian citizens in Crimea

Read on the Analytical portal of the Regional Center for Human Rights.

In March 2020, Decree No. 201 classified most of Crimea as the so called “border areas of the Russian Federation”. This status was given to 11 out of 14 districts of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, 8 out of 11 territories subordinated to town councils of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, 4 out of 4 districts of the city of Sevastopol.

The Land Code of the Russian Federation prohibits foreigners from owning land plots in the «border areas of the Russian Federation». In addition, a similar prohibition for foreigners applies to agricultural plots, regardless of whether they are located in the «border area». If such property is owned by foreigners in Crimea, they are obliged to alienate it within a year following the adoption of Decree No. 201. Otherwise, the land plot may be sold at a public auction or transferred to state or municipal ownership of the Russian Federation in court. The value of such a plot must be compensated to the former owner, but it is estimated by the authorised bodies of the Russian Federation and may be less than the market value, and in the event of an unsuccessful auction, it may be further reduced by 25% or even 50%.