Freezing, Confiscation and Management of the Assets of the Russian Central Bank and the Oligarchs

As the most powerful measure of economic sanctions against Russia which invaded Ukraine, the Western States froze the assets of the Russian Central Bank and the Oligarchs which are situated in their States. This article attempts to clarify the legality of the freezing, confiscation, and management of assets under international law. The freezing of assets is a legal countermeasure against aggression. Confiscation is lawful only if certain conditions are satisfied. Management is a realistic option which avoids the legal risks which might arise from confiscation.