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Open source as sanctions busting. Interesting.

You know, PGP is “exported” as a book to go around export regulations. So this is not new.

None of the companies are actually under any sanctions, but obviously having any licensing deals or IP transfers with companies located in Russia is legal hazard.

VK Group is definitely sanctioned in the USA & EU.

No they are not. Otherwise their apps wouldn't be on Google Play and App Store:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vkontakte....

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vk-social-network-messenger/id...

The CEO is sanctioned, which makes dealing with the company complicated.

https://sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov/Details.aspx?id=34596

Would be difficult to pay with SWIFT cut off?

Russia is not cut off from SWIFT. There are multiple banks that doing USD / EUR payments in and out, but with minimal amount of 20,000 EUR and some 200-500 EUR fee.

And you can also transfer bunch of other currencies much much cheaper. It's mostly question on whatever you have paperwork for bank outside of Russia to accept that payment.

PS: Only normal people are affected by those restrictions. Companies and super-rich cronies can still move their money freely and pay for whatever military components they want from EU / US:

https://theins.press/en/politics/266147

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