Full Breakdown
EU Agrees to Drop Two Russian Billionaires from Sanctions List
By Drooid · · How we work
Decision and Process
EU diplomats announced that ambassadors from the 27 member states have reached a compromise to remove Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the bloc’s personal sanctions list. The agreement became possible after Latvia abstained, allowing the required unanimity to be achieved. The removal will take effect only if no member state objects during the formal written-procedure window, after which the decision will be adopted in writing.
Background and Scope of Sanctions
Both Usmanov and Fridman have been subject to EU sanctions since 2022, with the bloc citing the businessmen’s “particularly close ties” to President Vladimir Putin. The personal-sanctions regime currently covers roughly 3,000 individuals and entities; it was previously extended for a brief period until 22 September. Under the compromise, the remaining list will be renewed for a full three-year term. Separate sectoral measures against Russia—targeting trade, finance, energy and dual-use technologies—remain in force until 31 July 2027.
Reactions from Ukraine
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the decision to drop the two oligarchs as shameful and unjustifiable and said Kyiv will urge all EU members to impose national sanctions on them. On 12 September, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on partners not to ease any restrictions on Usmanov and Fridman, stressing that concrete steps are needed to oppose Russia’s war.
Positions of Other EU Members
France and Slovakia advocated for Usmanov’s removal, while Luxembourg pressed for Fridman’s exclusion, linking its stance to a $16 billion arbitration claim the businessman has filed against the country. Both positions were reported by European diplomats as part of the broader negotiation.
Implications and Next Steps
The proposed removal does not affect sanctions imposed by non-EU states, and the EU’s personal-sanctions framework will continue to freeze assets and ban travel for the thousands of other listed individuals for three years. Completion of the written procedure will determine whether the compromise is finalized, while sectoral economic constraints against Russia will stay in place until the mid-2027 deadline.