EU Removes Russian Oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman from Sanctions List Amid Diplomatic Tensions
The European Union removed Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list on September 22, 2026, under pressure from France and Luxembourg. This decision was part of a broader agreement to extend sanctions against Russia for three years, affecting nearly 3,000 individuals and companies. Ukraine condemned the move as 'shameful' and 'unacceptable', accusing the EU of sending the wrong signals to Moscow.
Where Sources Diverge
Some sources mention that the removal of the oligarchs was part of a broader agreement to extend sanctions for three years, while others focus on the immediate diplomatic implications.
The EU has agreed to remove two Russian billionaires, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from its sanctions list, while extending restrictions on nearly 3,000 individuals and companies accused of supporting the war on Ukraine for the next three years.
The ruling will come after days of intense negotiations that could have seen the entire package of EU sanctions, imposed since 2022, go to waste.
The exact role of Slovakia in the negotiations is mentioned in one source but not in others.
The push was spearheaded by Slovakia.
The Council of the European Union has decided to extend restrictive measures against individuals responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine for another 36 months – until September 22, 2029.
Sources
Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman both have close ties to President Putin, and Kyiv said the move sent Moscow the wrong signals.
Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman both have close ties to President Putin, and Kyiv said the move sent Moscow the wrong signals.
EU in showdown over Russian oligarch sanctions as deadline looms Arab News
The European Union has reached an agreement on the extension of sanctions against Russia, but has removed two oligarchs from the sanctions list. This happened at the request of France and Luxembourg. Ukraine calls the decision 'shameful'.
The European Union has agreed to lift sanctions on Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, said a European diplomat on Tuesday, despite Kyiv's criticisms. The decision was reached after lengthy negotiations and just before the deadline on Wednesday. Some member countries threatened to block further sanctions...
The European Union's decision to remove Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov, founder of USM Holdings, and Mikhail Fridman of Alfa Group from the sanctions list is shameful and unjustified, said Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.
The European Union has decided not to extend sanctions against Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Friedman.
The Council of the European Union has decided to extend restrictive measures against individuals responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine for another 36 months – until September 22, 2029.
The EU reached an agreement to remove two Russian billionaires, Ali Sher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from the sanctions list, while simultaneously extending restrictions for nearly 3000 individuals and companies for the next three years. This was done immediately before the expiry date, [...]
Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman delisted in what Ireland’s EU presidency called ‘a difficult compromise’ for the bloc The EU has agreed to remove two Russian billionaires, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from its sanctions list, while extending restrictions on nearly 3,000 individuals and companies accused of supporting the war on Ukraine for the next three years. With an end-of-Tuesday deadline looming to preserve the Russia blacklist, the EU’s 27 member states found a compromise that meant delisting the two oligarchs in spite of very few countries wanting this outcome. EU sanctions have to be approved unanimously. Continue reading...
EU agrees to lift sanctions on Russian oligarchs Usmanov, Fridman - Markets & Companies - Business Ahram Online
The European Union is expected to lift sanctions on two high-profile Russian oligarchs — Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. The ruling will come after days of intense negotiations that could have seen the entire package of EU sanctions, imposed since 2022, go to waste. The push was spearheaded by Slovakia,
European Union (EU) member states reached a compromise on Tuesday to extend sanctions against Russia, under which oligarch Alişer Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman will be removed from the sanctions list, reported diplomats.
Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov removed from bloc’s list under deal to extend curbs for three years
At France and Luxembourg's request, the EU removed Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its list of sanctioned individuals, which was otherwise renewed for three years. Ukraine called the decision 'unacceptable.'
Delegates of EU member states agreed on Tuesday to extend sanctions against Russia for three years, but the list of individuals subject to sanctions had two Russian oligarchs, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, removed, reports Euronews. Latvia, which was the last of the EU member states to oppose the easing of sanctions, eventually agreed to the compromise and took a "constructive abstention" position in the vote, according to Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs ("Union") at a government meeting with journalists.
EU removes two Russian oligarchs from sanctions blacklist euractiv.com
EU in showdown over Russian oligarch sanctions as deadline looms afp.com