[shmel]

Is it really a side effect though? I think the entire point of these sanctions (or their implementation by Linux Foundation more specifically) is to prevent developers working for Russian companies from contributing to Linux. It isn't a side effect, it's the intended effect, wouldn't you say so?

[Ygg2]

I thought the idea is to prevent Russian hackers from introducing exploits. Not prevent Russian hackers from fixing exploits.

[cyphar]

No, the point is to stop Amercian technology companies from providing technology to Russian entities.

From the perspective of sanction laws, accepting patches (or arguably even replying to emails) from sanctioned entities is effectively providing technology to them because you are telling them that the patch solves the issue (i.e., you are providing them technical expertise) and are making it easier for them to use the patch in the future (i.e., no need to rebase and shipping software that they have indicated that they will find particularly useful).

The Linux Foundation provided some guidance about this earlier this year[1]. Basically, it is incredibly easy to inadvertently violate sanctions if you are involved in an open source project.

[1]: https://www.linuxfoundation.org/blog/navigating-global-regul...