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Latvia blocks EU deal to delist Usmanov, Fridman

By Drooid · Sep 22, 2026, 6:20 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

EU member states failed to reach a deal to delist Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
Latvia lodged a last-gasp objection that blocked the provisional delisting agreement.
Ireland’s EU Council presidency offered delisting both oligarchs in exchange for a 36-month sanctions renewal.
EU diplomats warned the short-term extension expires on Tuesday if no agreement follows the seven-day push-back.

History

Historical Context

In March 2014 the EU adopted Council Decision 2014/145, freezing €1.5 billion in assets of twelve Russian oligarchs such as Alisher Usmanov after Crimea’s annexation. High Representative Josep Borrell warned of unprecedented isolation. Latvia’s 2024 objection to delisting Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman revives the same intra-EU split that stalled the 2014 sanctions renewal, threatening unified pressure on Moscow.

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Story summary

EU member states failed to reach a deal to delist Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
Latvia lodged a last-gasp objection that blocked the provisional delisting agreement.
Ireland’s EU Council presidency offered delisting both oligarchs in exchange for a 36-month sanctions renewal.
EU diplomats warned the short-term extension expires on Tuesday if no agreement follows the seven-day push-back.

1 / 2