How Sanctions Affect Payments for Clients in Eastern Europe

Comprehensive international sanctions have been implemented in response to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Recent developments have impacted our ability to operate and process payments in several regions, leading Design Hunt to suspend services for customers in the following areas:

• Russia

• Belarus

• The disputed regions of Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) in Ukraine

If you are accessing Design Hunt from one of these specified areas, your account will be affected. Please review the following FAQs, and feel free to reach out to our team at [email protected] if you have any additional questions.

I’m a Client in One of the Affected Areas:

What will happen to my account?
Your account, including any ongoing contests or projects, will be inaccessible until the sanctions are lifted.

Can I open a new account?
As of March 23, 2022, you will not be able to create an account from any of the regions mentioned above.

Can I make a purchase?
No, you will not have access to the site from the affected areas.

Can I complete a Contest or Project that I’ve already started?
You will not be able to access the site; however, if you need help retrieving any existing files, please contact [email protected] for assistance.

I’m a Client Outside of the Affected Areas but Working with a Designer in Ukraine:

Can I continue to work with a designer in Ukraine?
If the designer is able and available to continue working, then yes, it is likely that you can.

The only area of Ukraine affected by sanctions is a small segment of our designer community.

I awarded or hired a designer whose account has been blocked due to sanctions, but their work is incomplete. What can I do?
Please reach out to us at [email protected], and we will be happy to assist you with a customized solution.

I’m concerned about a designer in Ukraine I’m collaborating with. What should I do?
This is understandably a challenging time for individuals in Ukraine. If communication is difficult, consider messaging your designer to check on their situation. If you are uncomfortable doing so or prefer our team to reach out on your behalf, please email [email protected], and we would be glad to help.

I’m a Client Outside of the Affected Areas but Working with a Designer in Russia:

Can I continue to work with them?
Unfortunately, you will not be able to continue your collaboration with designers based in Russia.

If your designer informs you that they are unable to work due to payout restrictions, please contact us at [email protected], and we will assist you in finding an alternative solution.

I awarded or hired a designer in Russia who cannot complete their work due to sanctions. What can I do?
Please contact us, and we will be happy to provide a customized solution.

If PayPal and other payment providers are not operational, should I look for other ways to pay designers?
We do not recommend attempting to make payments outside of Design Hunt, as we cannot provide support for transactions conducted outside the platform.