Full Breakdown
Zelensky Pushes Back on Sanctions Delays as EU Struggles to Extend Measures on Russian Oligarchs
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
In mid-September the EU postponed its deadline to renew sanctions on more than 3,000 Russian entities and individuals, extending the decision-making window to later in the month. The delay follows lobbying by Slovakia and France to remove oligarch Alisher Usmanov—and, in Luxembourg’s case, also Mikhail Fridman—from the list. On September 13 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree imposing personal sanctions on former press secretary Iuliia Mendel and nine others for spreading Russian propaganda. Zelensky condemned the EU’s hesitation, calling any easing “immoral and self-destructive.”
Background & Context
The EU first sanctioned Russian oligarchs in 2022, naming Usmanov as a close Putin associate. Renewal requires a unanimous vote, giving each member state a veto. Slovakia has long advocated delisting Usmanov and Fridman; France’s recent request is linked to a prisoner-swap negotiation with Azerbaijan. Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council recommended sanctions on ten individuals, which Zelensky enacted on September 13, freezing assets and revoking state awards for ten years, with some measures indefinite.
Key Figures & Groups
- Volodymyr Zelensky – President of Ukraine, urging the EU to maintain pressure.
- Alisher Usmanov – Russian-Uzbek businessman under EU sanctions since 2022.
- Mikhail Fridman – Co-founder of Alfa-Group, also sanctioned.
- Slovakia – Advocates delisting of Usmanov and Fridman.
- France – Lobbying for Usmanov’s removal, tied to a prisoner-swap deal.
- Iuliia Mendel – Former presidential press secretary, sanctioned for alleged propaganda.
Timeline
- March 14 – EU sanctions on Russian entities last extended.
- Mid-September – EU deadline passes; unanimity not reached.
- September 13 – Zelensky signs decree sanctioning Mendel and nine others.
- Later September – EU officials schedule another round of talks.
Data & Statistics
- Original renewal deadline covered 2,600 Russian entities and individuals.
- Current regime targets more than 3,000.
- Zelensky’s sanctions affect 10 individuals, lasting 10 years (some indefinitely).
- Ukrainian officials reported 500 Shahed drones per day striking the country during the EU deliberations.
Criticism & Opposition
France’s lobbying for Usmanov’s delisting, described by diplomats as a “political compromise,” has frustrated other EU members. Slovakia continues to press for removal, arguing the sanctions impede its national interests. Luxembourg indicated it would also seek Fridman’s delisting if Usmanov were removed.
What’s Next
EU diplomats plan to reconvene in mid-September to seek a unanimous decision. Analysts note the worst-case scenario could be a six-month extension rather than a full-year renewal, avoiding a total lapse. Zelensky’s domestic sanctions remain in force for a decade, and Ukraine will share the list with international partners for coordinated enforcement.