Why did OFAC issue General License (GL) 26 ("Transactions Authorized Pursuant to the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations") in the Ukraine-/Russia-Related Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 589 (URSR)?
OFAC's answer
[GL 26](https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933891/download?inline) applies to transactions involving specified persons identified in the Annex to GL 26, who are designated under both the [URSR](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-589?toc=1) and the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations, [31 CFR part 587](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-587) (RuHSR). The purpose of [GL 26](https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/933891/download?inline) is to ensure that transactions authorized or exempt under the RuHSR, including transactions authorized by a general or specific license, that involve those specified persons are also authorized under the URSR, to the extent such transactions are prohibited by [Executive Order (E.O.) 13662](https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/5961/download?inline). However, GL 26 does not authorize any transaction prohibited by a directive issued pursuant to E.O. 13662, as incorporated into sections 589.202 through 589.205 of the [URSR](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-589?toc=1), or any transaction involving any person blocked pursuant to the RuHSR or the URSR other than the specified persons, unless separately authorized.