The European Union has decided to remove Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its list of sanctioned individuals, while extending its broader sanctions framework targeting over 3,000 entities and individuals linked to threats against Ukraine’s territorial integrity. This decision was part of a comprehensive review conducted by the EU Council, which also decided to prolong the sanctions until September 22, 2029.
The EU’s sanctions, which include asset freezes, travel bans, and prohibitions on making funds available to listed individuals, were originally imposed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The removal of Usmanov and Fridman from the sanctions list marks a significant change in the EU’s approach, as both businessmen had been targets of these measures since their introduction.
Ukraine has expressed discontent with the EU’s decision to delist these two figures. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha criticized the move as unacceptable, asserting that the circumstances that justified their inclusion on the sanctions list have not changed.
The EU’s extension of the sanctions framework for a longer period is aimed at providing greater stability, as previous renewals occurred at shorter intervals. The sanctions are part of the EU’s ongoing response to Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, reflecting the bloc’s commitment to maintaining pressure on Moscow.