Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov and the corporation's special assignments director Vasily Brovko have retained legal counsel to navigate U.S. sanctions removal, according to a contract filed in the U.S. foreign agents registry.
Meanwhile, Russian state media outlets claim the "sanctions relief process" was initiated by Washington. RIA Novosti reported the document's publication might signal "U.S. intentions to ease sanctions and pursue joint business ventures," adding that Rostec "applauds American moves to lift restrictions on Sergei Chemezov." TASS echoed this narrative, citing sources who said potential sanction relief was "proposed by the U.S. side."
Documentation reveals the agreement was signed personally by Chemezov and Brovko with U.S. legal representatives. The two executives will pay lobbyists $2.6 million through their contract with Rathmell Short, a U.S. law firm specializing in assisting "high-net-worth individuals and their global enterprises in complex jurisdictions." The firm focuses on sanctions cases and asset protection. Payments originated from UAE-based Yudisud Tjong Trading LLC, though no known links exist between this entity and Rostec leadership.
The Rathmell Short agreement notes that Sonoran Policy Group will provide "legal support" for Chemezov and Brovko. The firm's founder, Robert Stryk, gained prominence as one of the most effective lobbyists during Trump's first term, known for handling controversial cases others avoided.
**The Trump Era's Top Lobbyist** The New York Times profiled Stryk in an article titled "How to Get Rich in Donald Trump's Washington." After Trump's 2016 victory, Stryk learned New Zealand's prime minister couldn't reach the president-elect. He intervened by contacting Trump campaign associate Stuart Jolly, secured a direct line, and organized a high-profile New Zealand embassy inauguration party that landed him a lobbying contract with the country. His perceived Trump connections subsequently fueled his business growth.
Stryk has faced criticism for representing clients accused of rights abuses and corruption, including Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele—condemned for undermining judicial independence. In 2020, Bukele deployed troops to pressure lawmakers into approving a crime-funding loan, drawing U.S. State Department condemnation.
Stryk also collaborated with a Portuguese firm representing Isabel dos Santos, daughter of Angola's ex-president. Following the Luanda Leaks expose revealing her offshore wealth schemes, her assets were frozen globally, Forbes delisted her, and Interpol issued a warrant. UK sanctions followed in 2024.
In 2020, Stryk lobbied for George Nader, a convicted sex offender, seeking clemency during Trump's final months. His portfolio additionally included Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro (sanctions relief), Belarus's potash sector, and Somalia's push for eased U.S. travel restrictions.