The European Union has decided to remove Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list, while simultaneously extending sanctions against more than 3,000 individuals and entities linked to threats against Ukraine’s territorial integrity until September 22, 2029. This decision, made by the EU Council on September 22, aims to maintain pressure on Russia over its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The sanctions, first imposed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, include asset freezes, travel bans, and prohibitions on providing financial resources to the listed individuals and entities. The removal of Usmanov and Fridman from the sanctions list occurred during the EU’s latest review of its sanctions regime.
Ukraine has expressed dissatisfaction with the EU’s decision to delist the two businessmen. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha criticized the move, stating that the circumstances that initially warranted their inclusion on the sanctions list have not changed.
The EU’s longer renewal of sanctions, extending them for a full 36 months instead of shorter intervals, is intended to provide greater stability to its sanctions framework. Despite the removal of Usmanov and Fridman, the EU continues to enforce extensive individual and economic restrictions as a response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.