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● TRACKER Updated 2d ago · 41 sources tracked

All EU sanctions linked to Russia's war may expire as France, Slovakia seek to delist oligarchs

The European Union is preparing new restrictions against Moscow, including a proposed ban on visas for former and current Russian military personnel and proxy group members. The European Commission also proposed legislation to end all EU imports of Russian oil and gas by January 1, 2028. These efforts contrast with internal pushes from France and Slovakia to remove certain oligarchs from blacklists and a larger trend of Russia exploiting asset loopholes in Belgium and Austria. Simultaneously, the EU recently added 1,569 companies and executives to its sanctions list to target military supply chains.

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  • ✓ The European Union added 1,569 companies and executives to its sanctions list to target Russia's military-industrial complex.
  • ✓ Brussels is preparing another round of restrictions against Moscow.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 41 independent reporting domains (80% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

The EU proposed a visa ban on Russian military personnel and a January 1, 2028 deadline to phase out Russian oil and gas imports.

Live updates

  1. EU Proposes New Russia Sanctions Amid Internal Pressure to Delist Oligarchs

    The European Union is preparing new restrictions against Moscow, including a proposed ban on visas for former and current Russian military personnel and proxy group members. The European Commission also proposed legislation to end all EU imports of Russian oil and gas by January 1, 2028. These efforts contrast with internal pushes from France and Slovakia to remove certain oligarchs from blacklists and a larger trend of Russia exploiting asset loopholes in Belgium and Austria. Simultaneously, the EU recently added 1,569 companies and executives to its sanctions list to target military supply chains.

    Why it matters

    EU sanctions strategy remains dependent on external decisions while the US explores economic concessions. This creates a tension between the bloc's goal of isolating Russia's military-industrial complex and member states seeking to ease specific restrictions. The move to phase out energy imports by 2028 represents a long-term shift in European energy dependency.

    What is confirmed

    • The European Union added 1,569 companies and executives to its sanctions list to target Russia's military-industrial complex.
    • Brussels is preparing another round of restrictions against Moscow.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Trump wants the US and Europe to be in sync on Russia sanctions and has called for a stop to buying Russian oil and gas.

    What to watch next

    • Approval status of the proposed visa ban and energy phase-out legislation
    • Confirmation of any US economic concessions regarding Russia
    • Updates on France and Slovakia's efforts to delist specific oligarchs
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.wionews.com — EU proposes new Russia sanctions, targets firms in India ...
    2. eutoday.net — Europe Keeps Tightening Sanctions on Russia. But What Happens ...
    3. www.wionews.com — Trump wants US, Europe in sync on Russia sanctions, says ...
    4. www.legal500.com — EU Adds Nearly 1,600 Russia Sanctions Listings, Targeting ...
    confidence 80%

  2. EU Sanctions Against Russia Face Pressure Amid Exemption Efforts

    European Union sanctions tied to Russia's war face potential expiration as France and Slovakia push to remove targeted oligarchs from the blacklist. European leaders face intense pressure because Russia is exploiting a loophole to unfreeze $3 billion in assets at Belgium's Euroclear, with Austria's Raiffeisen Bank positioned to execute a similar maneuver. These developments occur while the bloc develops its sanctions packages. Slovakia explicitly intends to pursue cooperation with Russia in areas not affected by restrictions, according to recent statements from Bratislava.

    Why it matters

    The European Union has built its most comprehensive sanctions regime ever since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Sanctions serve as the primary foreign policy instrument for EU member states to counter the Russian war effort and support Ukraine. However, internal divisions regarding oligarch delisting threaten the longevity of the restrictive measures.

    What is confirmed

    • The European Union has developed its most comprehensive sanctions regime ever since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
    • Sanctions remain the main foreign policy instrument available to EU member states and their allies to counter Russia's war effort and support Ukraine.
    • Slovakia will continue to pursue its national interests and develop cooperation with Russia in areas not affected by restrictions.

    Still unconfirmed

    • All EU sanctions linked to Russia's war may expire as France and Slovakia seek the removal of oligarchs from the blacklist.
    • Russia is exploiting a loophole to unfreeze $3 billion in assets at Belgium's Euroclear, with Austria's Raiffeisen Bank positioned to execute a similar maneuver.
    • The bloc is currently developing its 22nd sanctions package against Russia.

    What to watch next

    • Decisions by EU member states regarding the delisting of specific oligarchs from the sanctions blacklist.
    • Formal announcements concerning the progress and content of the upcoming EU sanctions packages against Russia.
    • Actions by Belgium's Euroclear and Austria's Raiffeisen Bank regarding frozen Russian assets.
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. globalsanctions.com — Global Sanctions News
    2. en.parapolitika.gr — Ursula von der Leyen announces 21st EU sanctions package ...
    3. www.hudson.org — As Russia’s War on Ukraine Drags On, Sanctions Remain ...
    4. www.europesays.com — Blanar: Slovakia to Pursue Cooperation with Russia Where ...
    confidence 80%

  3. EU Sanctions Face Expiration Risk Amid French and Slovak Push

    All European Union sanctions linked to the war in Russia may expire as France and Slovakia seek the removal of oligarchs from the blacklist. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen previously stated that the bloc will maintain all sanctions until the war ends. Concurrently, European leaders face intense pressure because Russia is exploiting a loophole to unfreeze $3 billion in assets at Belgium's Euroclear, with Austria's Raiffeisen Bank positioned to execute a similar maneuver. These developments occur while the bloc develops its 22nd sanctions package against Russia.

    Why it matters

    Sanctions against Russia require periodic renewal by member states, making internal unity essential for maintaining economic pressure. Disagreements among member states regarding oligarch delistings threaten the collective enforcement of these measures. Additionally, vulnerabilities involving financial institutions like Euroclear expose gaps in how frozen assets are managed.

    What is confirmed

    • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the European Union will not lift any sanctions until Russia ends its war against Ukraine.
    • Russia is exploiting an EU sanctions loophole to unfreeze $3 billion worth of assets held by Belgium's Euroclear.
    • Austria's Raiffeisen Bank may potentially execute the same maneuver to unfreeze assets.
    • France and Slovakia are working to remove oligarchs from the sanctions blacklist.

    What to watch next

    • Decisions regarding the renewal or expiration of EU sanctions against Russia.
    • Progress on the 22nd package of sanctions against Russia.
    • Actions by Austria's Raiffeisen Bank regarding frozen assets.
    Sources used for this update (2)
    1. www.vocabulary.com — All - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
    2. www.youtube.com — All, All of the, All the [Advanced English Grammar] - YouTube
    confidence 100%

  4. EU Rules Out Lifting Sanctions as Russia Exploits Loophole

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the European Union will not lift any sanctions until Russia ends its war against Ukraine. Meanwhile, European leaders face pressure as Russia exploits an EU sanctions loophole to unfreeze $3 billion worth of assets held by Belgium's Euroclear, with Austria's Raiffeisen Bank potentially executing the same maneuver. This exploitation coincides with efforts by France and Slovakia to remove oligarchs from the blacklist, creating tension as the bloc works on the 22nd package of sanctions against Russia.

    Why it matters

    The push by France and Slovakia to delist oligarchs exposes structural vulnerabilities in EU decision-making. Previous removals of high-profile individuals prompted Ukraine to prepare retaliatory sanctions against more than 20 Russian oligarchs. The EU previously adopted its largest-ever package of sanctions targeting almost 1,600 individuals and entities.

    What is confirmed

    • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the European Union will not lift any sanctions until Russia ends the war.
    • Work is underway on the 22nd package of sanctions against Russia.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Russia has exploited an EU sanctions loophole to unfreeze $3 billion worth of assets held by Belgium's Euroclear.
    • Austria's Raiffeisen Bank could be about to execute the same maneuver to free assets.

    What to watch next

    • Adoption and details of the 22nd package of sanctions against Russia
    • Actions by Austria's Raiffeisen Bank regarding frozen assets
    • Decisions by France and Slovakia concerning oligarch delisting
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. kyivindependent.com — The EU loophole Russia is using to free its oligarchs from ...
    2. eutoday.net — EU leaders rule out easing sanctions on Russia until...
    3. www.jbanc.org — EU Sanctions on Russia: A Controversial Compromise
    4. defence24.com — Von der Leyen: No lifting of sanctions until Russia ends the war
    confidence 90%

  5. EU Sanctions Vulnerabilities Exposed as France and Slovakia Seek Delistings

    European Union sanctions tied to the war in Ukraine face potential expiration as France and Slovakia push to remove oligarchs from the blacklist. This follows the removal of Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, which prompted Ukraine to prepare retaliatory sanctions against more than 20 Russian oligarchs. The delisting actions expose structural vulnerabilities in EU decision-making and offer a potential legal and political roadmap for other sanctioned individuals to escape pressure. Meanwhile, the EU adopted its largest-ever package of sanctions listings, targeting almost 1,600 individuals and entities.

    Why it matters

    The removal of prominent oligarchs from European Union blacklists has raised concerns about the durability of the bloc's restrictive measures against Russia. This policy friction comes alongside broader international shifts, including Donald Trump suspending recently passed sanctions and tariffs aimed at Russia that were set to take effect. These political maneuvers complicate coordinated economic pressure against Moscow's military supply chains.

    What is confirmed

    • The European Union adopted its largest-ever set of sanctions listings, targeting almost 1,600 individuals and entities in Russia's military-industrial complex.
    • Chief EU diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that more than half of the roughly 1,600 listings are connected to the production chain for ballistic missiles.
    • Donald Trump suspended recently passed sanctions and tariffs aimed at Russia that were due to take effect in just a few days.

    Still unconfirmed

    • All EU sanctions linked to Russia's war may expire as France and Slovakia seek to delist oligarchs.

    What to watch next

    • Decisions by EU member states on whether to approve additional oligarch delisting requests
    • Implementation status of Ukraine's retaliatory sanctions against Russian oligarchs
    • Further European Union responses to the removal of Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. www.politico.eu — Russia sanctions - POLITICO
    2. www.eeas.europa.eu — EU adopts its largest-ever package of sanctions listings ...
    3. kyivindependent.com — EU votes through largest ever Russia sanctions list
    4. dictionary.cambridge.org — All - Grammar - Cambridge Dictionary
    5. www.vaticannews.va — Trump suspends Russia sanctions as deadly attacks plunge Ukraine into darkness
    6. en.wikipedia.org — Acute lymphoblastic leukemia - Wikipedia
    confidence 90%

  6. EU Sanctions on Russia May Expire as France, Slovakia Seek Delisting of Oligarchs

    The European Union's sanctions on Russia linked to its war in Ukraine may expire as France and Slovakia push to delist oligarchs. This comes after Ukraine prepared retaliatory sanctions against over 20 Russian oligarchs following the EU's removal of Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its blacklist. The delisting has exposed vulnerabilities in EU decision-making and provided a potential roadmap for other sanctioned individuals to escape pressure through political leverage and legal action.

    Why it matters

    The EU's decision to remove Usmanov and Fridman from its sanctions list has sparked concerns about the bloc's ability to maintain pressure on Russia. Ukraine has fought against the decision, warning of potential retaliatory measures. The EU's sanctions regime against Russia has been a key component of the bloc's response to the war in Ukraine.

    What is confirmed

    • The EU extended personal sanctions against those backing the war against Ukraine for 36 months, the longest such renewal.
    • The EU removed Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list under pressure from France and Slovakia.
    • The EU has no plans to reinstate sanctions against Alisher Usmanov or Mikhail Fridman in the near future.
    • The EU prolonged restrictive measures until October 9, 2027, citing continued Russian sabotage, interference, and other destabilizing activities.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Slovakia and Austria are blocking a new round of EU sanctions against Russia.

    What to watch next

    • The EU's next summit
    • The outcome of Ukraine's retaliatory sanctions
    • The EU's decision on new sanctions listings
    Sources used for this update (11)
    1. dictionary.cambridge.org — ALL | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
    2. www.dictionary.com — ALL Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
    3. cde.news — Slovakia and Austria Block EU Sanctions Deal on Russia
    4. www.yahoo.com — EU has no plans to reinstate sanctions against Russian ...
    5. www.eurointegration.com.ua — Kallas says EU has no plans to reinstate sanctions against ...
    6. en.h.ua — EU extends Russia sanctions three years but drops two ...
    7. www.europesays.com — EU extends Russia sanctions over hybrid attacks and ...
    8. united24media.com — EU Extends Sanctions on 80 People and 20 Entities Linked to ...
    9. all.accor.com — ALL Accor | Hotels Stays & Exclusive Deals
    10. en.wiktionary.org — all - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
    11. langeek.co — How to Use "All" in the English Grammar LanGeek
    confidence 90%

  7. Ukraine Prepares New Sanctions After EU Removes Two Russian Oligarchs

    Ukraine is preparing retaliatory sanctions against more than 20 Russian oligarchs after the European Union removed Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its blacklist. Paris secured Usmanov's removal following an eight-day negotiation. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha stated that Kyiv fought publicly and privately against the decision. The delisting exposes vulnerabilities in EU decision-making and provides a potential roadmap for other sanctioned individuals to escape pressure through political leverage and legal action.

    Why it matters

    The European Union previously shifted its individual Russia-related sanctions to a three-year renewal cycle to protect thousands of listings from frequent veto risks. Despite this longer horizon, member states face internal divisions over transparency and national interests. The removal of prominent billionaires has drawn criticism from Ukrainian and British officials who warn of a dangerous precedent.

    What is confirmed

    • Ukraine is preparing sanctions against more than 20 Russian oligarchs in response to EU delistings.
    • Paris secured Alisher Usmanov's removal from the EU sanctions list after an eight-day negotiation.
    • Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha stated that Kyiv fought until the last moment publicly and privately to prevent the delistings.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The successful delisting cases of Usmanov and Fridman could offer a roadmap for other Russian oligarchs to find a way out of EU sanctions.

    What to watch next

    • Formal adoption and release of the new sanctions list prepared by Ukraine against the 20-plus Russian oligarchs.
    • Reactions from other EU member states and British officials regarding the roadmap for oligarchs escaping sanctions.
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. kyivindependent.com — Ukraine prepares sanctions on 20-plus Russian oligarchs in ...
    2. www.bgnes.com — Kyiv responds to EU delisting of two oligarchs with new ...
    3. www.contexte.com — France’s Russian oligarch deal exposes cracks in EU diplomacy
    4. united24media.com — How Russian Oligarchs Are Finding a Way Out of EU Sanctions ...
    confidence 100%

  8. EU Extends Russia Sanctions to 2029 While Removing Two Oligarchs

    The European Union has extended individual sanctions related to Russia's conflict with Ukraine for three years instead of the previous six-month renewal cycle. This move secures more than 3,000 listings from frequent veto risks. However, the bloc simultaneously removed billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the blacklist. This decision has sparked intense scrutiny over political negotiations, transparency, and the consistency of the bloc's pressure on Moscow, drawing criticism from Ukrainian and British officials who warn of a dangerous precedent.

    Why it matters

    The European Union has progressively imposed restrictive measures against Russia since March 2014 following the annexation of Crimea and the destabilization of Ukraine. The recent delisting of high-profile billionaires has raised questions about the credibility and consistency of the sanctions regime. Other international partners, including the United Kingdom, have maintained their own positions despite the shift in European policy.

    What is confirmed

    • The European Union extended individual sanctions related to Russia's conflict with Ukraine for three years.
    • Billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman were removed from the European Union sanctions blacklist.
    • The European Union move secures over 3,000 listings from frequent veto risks.
    • The European Union has progressively imposed restrictive measures against Russia since March 2014.

    Still unconfirmed

    • UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham reportedly told President Volodymyr Zelensky that he disagreed with the European Union decision to delist two Russian oligarchs.
    • Russian billionaires are allegedly looking for ways to get European sanctions lifted, inspired by the examples of Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.

    What to watch next

    • Reactions from European parliamentarians and member states regarding the three-year extension and delisting
    • Any formal policy shifts from the United Kingdom regarding its own sanctions list for Russian oligarchs
    • Future enforcement consistency regarding the remaining 3,000 listings under the new framework
    Sources used for this update (8)
    1. www.europesays.com — Is the EU undermining its Russia sanctions? - EUROPE SAYS
    2. eurotoday.org — EU Extends Sanctions on Russia Until 2029 - Eurotoday
    3. www.yahoo.com — UK opposes EU delisting of 2 Russian oligarchs, calls for ...
    4. www.europesays.com — UK to Keep Sanctions on 2 Russian Oligarchs Despite EU ...
    5. finance.ec.europa.eu — Sanctions adopted following Russia’s military aggression ...
    6. newsukraine.rbc.ua — EU sanctions - Russian oligarchs seek ways to get ...
    7. adalytica.com — EU sanctions on Russian oligarchs face scrutiny | Adalytica
    8. www.baltictimes.com — European parliamentarians call removal of Russian oligarchs ...
    confidence 90%

  9. EU Sanctions Deadlock as France and Slovakia Seek Oligarch Delisting

    European Union sanctions related to the war in Ukraine face potential expiration after France and Slovakia pushed to delist Russian oligarchs. EU envoys extended current sanctions by seven days to debate a six-month renewal, but ambassadors have repeatedly failed to agree on extending measures against Vladimir Putin and Viktor Yanukovych. While a deal to resolve the impasse over the delisting of Alisher Usmanov is reportedly near, the deadlock has prompted President Volodymyr Zelensky to describe the consideration of lifting sanctions as immoral and self-destructive.

    Why it matters

    EU sanctions require unanimous member state agreement for renewal and modification. A failure to reach consensus can lead to the lapse of thousands of restrictive measures. This dispute centers on the balance between maintaining pressure on the Kremlin and addressing specific member state requests regarding individual sanctioned persons.

    What is confirmed

    • EU envoys extended Russia sanctions by seven days to debate a six-month renewal.
    • France and Slovakia are seeking to delist Russian oligarchs.
    • EU ambassadors failed to agree on extending sanctions against Vladimir Putin.

    Still unconfirmed

    • France and Slovakia may scupper 3,000 EU sanctions to protect two Russian oligarchs.

    What to watch next

    • The outcome of the seven-day extension debate regarding the six-month renewal.
    • Confirmation of a deal regarding the delisting of Alisher Usmanov.
    Sources used for this update (11)
    1. Financial Times — France in ‘astonishing’ push to lift EU sanctions on Russian oligarch
    2. Reuters — EU envoys extend Russia sanctions by seven days to debate six-month renewal, EU presidency says
    3. The Kyiv Independent — All EU sanctions linked to Russia's war may expire as France, Slovakia seek to delist oligarchs
    4. Euronews.com — EU sanction deadlock deepens as Luxembourg complicates the picture
    5. CryptoRank — Bitcoin faces an October 18 test as Trump prepares new Russia tariffs
    6. Українська правда — EU fails to agree on extending sanctions against Putin and Lavrov
    7. Бабель — FT: EU proposes to keep Usmanov under sanctions, but unfreeze his assets and allow him to enter the EU
    8. The Kyiv Independent — France and Slovakia's threat to scupper 3,000 EU sanctions to protect two Russian oligarchs gathers steam
    9. Euronews.com — EU nears deal to break impasse over French request to delist Usmanov
    10. PressReader — 'Immoral and self-destructiv­e' - Zelensky blasts EU for considerin­g lifting sanctions on Russian oligarchs
    11. Українська правда — EU ambassadors once again fail to extend sanctions against Putin and Ukraine’s ex-president Yanukovych
    confidence 85%
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