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Zelensky Warns EU as Slovakia Blocks Oligarch Sanctions Renewal

By Drooid · Sep 13, 2026, 2:29 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the EU on Sept 12 for not extending sanctions on Russian oligarchs.
EU officials must unanimously renew sanctions on more than 3,000 Russian-linked entities by Sept 15.
Slovakia blocked renewal, demanding delisting of Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov, while France backed compromise.
Ambassadors will meet on Sept 14 to seek an agreement before Sept 15 deadline.
Zelensky warned that 500 daily Shahed drone attacks make easing sanctions the wrong time.

History

Historical Context

In March 2014, the European Union enacted a sanctions regime following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, freezing assets of over 1,200 individuals and entities linked to Moscow’s elite. The 2014 package targeted oligarchs such as Oleg Deripaska and Viktor Vekselberg, imposing travel bans on 300 Russian businessmen and asset freezes. Today, President Volodymyr Zelensky urges the EU to renew sanctions on 3,000 firms, while Slovakia blocks move demanding delisting of Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov. If the EU fails to achieve unanimity, the stalled renewal could weaken collective pressure on Moscow, emboldening further Russian aggression across Europe.

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Story summary

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the EU on Sept 12 for not extending sanctions on Russian oligarchs.
EU officials must unanimously renew sanctions on more than 3,000 Russian-linked entities by Sept 15.
Slovakia blocked renewal, demanding delisting of Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov, while France backed compromise.
Ambassadors will meet on Sept 14 to seek an agreement before Sept 15 deadline.
Zelensky warned that 500 daily Shahed drone attacks make easing sanctions the wrong time.

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