Russia's Duma Approves Seizure of Unused Mortgaged Farmland in First Reading

The Russian State Duma passed the first reading of bill № 1150237-8, enabling the seizure of unused agricultural land even if it is mortgaged, with the pledge simultaneously terminated. This marks a notable policy shift, as it overrides mortgage rights to enforce land-use efficiency. The move signals tightening state control over agricultural land and could impact landowners and lenders, though the bill's passage through further readings remains uncertain.