Abstract: The subject of the study is the socio-economic relations that arise during the formation and functioning of special economic zones in the Russian Federation under the conditions of sanctions restrictions. The object of the study is the economic development and ensuring the national security of Russia in the context of sanctions pressure from "Western" countries. The purpose of the study is to develop recommendations on the creation and functioning of special economic zones to ensure socio-economic development and national security of Russia under sanctions. In order to achieve this goal, successfully functioning special economic zones were analyzed. The economic and social changes arising in Russian regions and municipalities as a result of the SEZ activities are identified. It is shown that these changes are complex and have a significant positive effect on the socio-economic development of the territory. The necessity of the formation and functioning of special economic zones in the Russian Federation is substantiated. The research used the method of system analysis, comparative analysis, the method of analysis and synthesis, methods of structural and factor analysis. The main conclusions of the study:
- in conditions of severe sanctions restrictions, the structural transformation of the economy is being carried out based on domestic resources and domestic capital;
- SEZs with developed infrastructure and favorable business conditions are an effective mechanism for attracting investments, expanding import substitution activities, strengthening technological independence, etc.
- a successfully functioning SEZ is an effective mechanism for territorial development and ensuring national security. The author's special contribution to the study is to analyze and develop proposals for the creation and development of special economic zones under sanctions restrictions for federal, regional and municipal authorities on the example of the SEZ "Vladimir". The novelty of the research lies in the creation and dissemination of best practices for the formation and functioning of the SEZ as a mechanism for territorial development and ensuring national security in the face of unprecedented sanctions pressure on the Russian Federation from "Western" countries.