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● TRACKER Updated 20d ago · 38 sources tracked

E.U. drops sanctions on two of Russia’s richest oligarchs despite Kyiv’s outcry

The European Union has delisted Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, a move Ukraine describes as a "wrong decision." While the EU extended other sanctions for 36 months, Lithuania has maintained national freezes on the assets of both men. Ukraine is now drafting a proposal to sanction ten additional Russian oligarchs in response. Meanwhile, Mikhail Fridman is pursuing a $16 billion claim against Luxembourg, and President Volodymyr Zelensky states that Russian assets currently remain safe under European control.

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  • ✓ The European Union removed Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list.
  • ✓ Lithuania froze the assets of Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman through national sanctions.
  • ✓ Ukraine is drafting a proposal to sanction ten additional Russian oligarchs.
  • ✓ The EU extended sanctions on other war supporters for 36 months.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 38 independent reporting domains (90% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Russian assets are currently safe under European control.

Live updates

  1. EU removes sanctions on Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman

    The European Union has delisted Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, a move Ukraine describes as a "wrong decision." While the EU extended other sanctions for 36 months, Lithuania has maintained national freezes on the assets of both men. Ukraine is now drafting a proposal to sanction ten additional Russian oligarchs in response. Meanwhile, Mikhail Fridman is pursuing a $16 billion claim against Luxembourg, and President Volodymyr Zelensky states that Russian assets currently remain safe under European control.

    Why it matters

    The removal of high-profile oligarchs from sanction lists creates tension between EU member states and Kyiv. These freezes are intended to pressure the Kremlin by limiting the financial resources of its supporters. Conflicting national and union-level policies complicate the enforcement of these economic penalties.

    What is confirmed

    • The European Union removed Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list.
    • Lithuania froze the assets of Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman through national sanctions.
    • Ukraine is drafting a proposal to sanction ten additional Russian oligarchs.
    • The EU extended sanctions on other war supporters for 36 months.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Austria's Raiffeisen Bank may be about to release frozen assets.

    What to watch next

    • Court ruling on Mikhail Fridman's $16 billion claim against Luxembourg.
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. www.politico.eu — Russia sanctions - POLITICO
    2. www.yahoo.com — The EU loophole Russia is using to free its oligarchs from ...
    3. kyivindependent.com — Russia may seek to get back immobilized assets through Ukraine's partners, Zelensky says
    4. www.jbanc.org — EU Sanctions on Russia: A Controversial Compromise
    confidence 90%

  2. Lithuania imposes national sanctions as EU drops Russian oligarchs

    Lithuania has frozen the assets of Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman through national sanctions after the European Union removed the oligarchs from its list. Ukraine labeled the EU move a "wrong decision" and is drafting a proposal to sanction ten additional Russian oligarchs. While the EU extended sanctions on other war supporters for 36 months, the delisting of Fridman and Usmanov has drawn criticism from member states and Russian dissidents. Mikhail Fridman continues to pursue a $16 billion claim against Luxembourg.

    Why it matters

    The EU removal of these billionaires follows successful court challenges and specific legal maneuvers. This creates tension between the bloc's centralized sanctions regime and individual member states' security priorities. The move occurs as Russia allegedly exploits legal loopholes to recover frozen assets.

    What is confirmed

    • Lithuania imposed national sanctions on Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov.
    • Ukraine described the EU decision to remove Usmanov and Fridman as a "wrong decision".
    • The EU decision to lift sanctions on Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman drew criticism from member states and opponents of Vladimir Putin.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Mikhail Fridman has not dropped his $16 billion claim against Luxembourg.

    What to watch next

    • Ukraine's submission of the new ten-person oligarch list to the EU
    • Possible asset freeze actions by other EU member states following Lithuania's lead
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. united24media.com — Sybiha: EU Was Wrong to Remove Usmanov and Fridman, Ukraine Will Propose 10 More Oligarchs — UNITED24 M....
    2. kyivindependent.com — Luxembourg's excuse for de-listing Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman fails to convince
    3. newsukraine.rbc.ua — Controversial EU decision prompts Lithuania to freeze assets ...
    4. www.kiprinform.com — EU faces backlash over lifting sanctions on two Russian ...
    5. kyivindependent.com — The EU loophole Russia is using to free its oligarchs from ...
    6. www.billionaires.africa — Russian billionaire Mikhail Fridman keeps Luxembourg claim
    confidence 90%

  3. EU Lifts Sanctions on Oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman

    The European Union has dropped sanctions against Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman as part of a deal that extends personal sanctions on war supporters for 36 months, its longest renewal period to date. Russian billionaire Mikhail Gutseriev and Belarusian businessman Viktor Shevtsov were also removed from the Belarus sanctions list following successful court challenges. The decision to drop Usmanov and Fridman has provoked sharp criticism from Russian dissidents, who state the move demonstrates European weakness while political prisoners remain behind bars in Russia and Azerbaijan.

    Why it matters

    This policy adjustment exposes the friction between maintaining broad restrictive measures against Russian influence and navigating legal challenges in European courts. Previous reporting highlights that the 36-month extension represents a record duration for these punitive packages. However, granting relief to high-profile figures creates friction with Kyiv and dissident groups who view the concessions as a diplomatic retreat.

    What is confirmed

    • The European Union extended personal sanctions against supporters of the war against Ukraine for 36 months, which is the longest renewal period to date.
    • The sanctions deal required the bloc to drop restrictions on Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
    • Mikhail Gutseriev and Viktor Shevtsov were removed from the Belarus sanctions list following successful court challenges.
    • Russian dissidents criticized the removal of Usmanov and Fridman, arguing it shows European weakness while political prisoners remain imprisoned in Russia and Azerbaijan.

    What to watch next

    • Further legal challenges from targeted individuals in European courts
    • Official responses from Kyiv regarding the sanctions relief
    • Potential adjustments to the remaining 36-month sanction lists
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. en.wikipedia.org — É - Wikipedia
    2. typingcup.com — E With an Accent: How to Type é, è, ê, ë (Copy & Paste)
    3. www.youtube.com — Letter E Song - YouTube
    4. simple.wikipedia.org — E - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
    confidence 100%

  4. EU Lifts Sanctions on Russian Oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman

    The European Union has extended personal sanctions against supporters of the war against Ukraine for 36 months, marking the longest renewal period to date. However, this deal required the bloc to drop sanctions on Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. In addition, the European Union removed Russian billionaire Mikhail Gutseriev and Belarusian businessman Viktor Shevtsov from its Belarus sanctions list following successful court challenges. The decision to remove Usmanov and Fridman has sparked strong criticism from Russian dissidents, who argue the move exposes European weakness while political prisoners remain imprisoned in Russia and Azerbaijan.

    Why it matters

    The recent removal of prominent oligarchs from the European Union blacklist marks a significant shift in the bloc's enforcement policy, achieved as part of a compromise to secure a three-year extension of broader personal sanctions. Kyiv has actively pushed against these deletions and continues to prepare separate penalties targeting more than 20 additional Russian oligarchs. Meanwhile, successful court challenges have forced the bloc to roll back specific Belarus-related listings as well.

    What is confirmed

    • The European Union extended personal sanctions against those backing the war against Ukraine for 36 months.
    • The agreement required the delisting of Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
    • The European Union removed Russian billionaire Mikhail Gutseriev and Belarusian businessman Viktor Shevtsov from its Belarus sanctions list following successful court challenges.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Russian dissidents stated that lifting sanctions on Usmanov exposed Europe's weakness while political prisoners remain behind bars in Russia and Azerbaijan.

    What to watch next

    • Implementation of the approximately 1,600 new sanctions listings currently being prepared by the European Union.
    • Official rollout of new penalties prepared by Kyiv targeting more than 20 Russian oligarchs.
    Sources used for this update (3)
    1. www.kyivpost.com — Russian Opposition Slams EU Decision to Lift Usmanov Sanctions
    2. en.h.ua — EU extends Russia sanctions three years but drops two ...
    3. www.themoscowtimes.com — EU Lifts Belarus-Related Sanctions on Russian Billionaire ...
    confidence 100%

  5. EU Rules Out Reinstating Sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman

    The European Union has confirmed it has no plans to reinstate sanctions against Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman in the near future. While Kyiv pushes for their return to the blacklist and prepares new penalties against more than 20 Russian oligarchs, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the bloc is instead working on approximately 1,600 new sanctions listings. The decision to remove Usmanov and Fridman previously triggered discontent among European nations and Russian dissidents, alongside an intense diplomatic dispute with Ukraine.

    Why it matters

    The removal of Usmanov and Fridman occurred under pressure from France and Slovakia to secure a three-year extension of asset freezes and travel bans on roughly 3,000 other Russian targets. This concession to secure broader restrictive measures created friction between Kyiv and Brussels, leading Ukrainian officials to fight the removal publicly and privately. Russian dissidents have also criticized the sanctions relief as a mistake that demonstrates the influence of the Kremlin.

    What is confirmed

    • The European Union has no plans to raise the issue of reinstating sanctions against Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman in the near future.
    • Ukraine has prepared a list of more than 20 Russian oligarchs for European Union sanctions.
    • The Russian oligarchs were recently removed from the sanctions list under pressure from France and Slovakia.

    What to watch next

    • Whether the European Union formally adopts the reported 1,600 new sanctions listings.
    • The official release and enforcement of Ukraine's proposed sanctions list targeting more than 20 Russian oligarchs.
    Sources used for this update (8)
    1. unn.ua — Ukraine has prepared a list of more than 20 Russian oligarchs ...
    2. www.yahoo.com — EU has no plans to reinstate sanctions against Russian ...
    3. www.eurointegration.com.ua — Kallas says EU has no plans to reinstate sanctions against ...
    4. newsukraine.rbc.ua — EU to remove 2 more oligarchs from sanctions list | RBC-Ukraine
    5. www.arabnews.com — Arab News | Kremlin critics say sanctions relief for Moscow ...
    6. chintai.io — Company — Chintai
    7. www.cbinsights.com — Chintai CEO, Founder, Key Executive Team, Board of Directors ...
    8. chintai.io — Investor Relations — Chintai
    confidence 100%

  6. EU Drops Russian Oligarchs as Ukraine Prepares Retaliation

    The European Union removed billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its blacklist, sparking an intense diplomatic clash with Kyiv. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that Ukraine fought publicly and privately against the removal until the final moment. In response to the European decision, Kyiv is preparing to slap sanctions on more than 20 Russian oligarchs. Meanwhile, the European Union lifted the restrictions on Usmanov and Fridman to lock in a three-year extension of asset freezes and travel bans on roughly 3,000 other Russian targets.

    Why it matters

    The removal of high-profile Russian billionaires exposes a stark policy split between the European Union and its ally Ukraine regarding accountability measures. Usmanov and Fridman managed to escape the blacklist through a combination of political leverage and legal pressure, potentially establishing a roadmap for other wealthy Russians. While Kyiv is actively working to reinstate the dropped oligarchs, the European Union maintains that the two men will not return to the sanctions list anytime soon.

    What is confirmed

    • The European Union removed Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list.
    • Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Kyiv fought publicly and privately until the final moment to block the EU decision.
    • Ukraine is preparing to impose sanctions on 20 Russian oligarchs in response.
    • The European Union lifted restrictions on the two oligarchs while securing a three-year extension of asset freezes and travel bans on roughly 3,000 other Russian targets.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman escaped EU sanctions through political leverage and legal pressure, and their cases could offer others a roadmap.

    What to watch next

    • Official adoption and publication of the retaliatory sanctions list targeting 20 Russian oligarchs by Ukraine
    • Any formal diplomatic efforts by Kyiv to pressure the European Union into reinstating Usmanov and Fridman
    Sources used for this update (3)
    1. united24media.com — How Russian Oligarchs Are Finding a Way Out of EU Sanctions ...
    2. mezha.net — Ukraine prepares sanctions against 20 Russian oligarchs after ...
    3. newsukraine.rbc.ua — EU says sanctions against Russia's oligarchs Usmanov and ...
    confidence 100%

  7. Ukraine Prepares Sanctions on 20 Oligarchs After EU Drops Two

    Ukraine is preparing to slap sanctions on more than 20 Russian oligarchs after the European Union removed billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its blacklist. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha stated that Kyiv fought publicly and privately until the final moment to block the EU decision, vowing to retaliate by adding twenty individuals in response. While the European Union lifted the restrictions to lock in a three-year extension of asset freezes and travel bans on roughly 3,000 other Russian targets, Kyiv is actively working to reinstate the dropped oligarchs.

    Why it matters

    The recent European Union pivot exposes deeper structural flaws within the bloc's punitive measures against Moscow, drawing intense scrutiny over political resolve. France and Luxembourg pushed for the removal of Usmanov and Fridman, overriding resistance from Latvia and fierce opposition in Kyiv. German media outlets also condemned the reversal, arguing it undermines the credibility of the entire sanctions framework.

    What is confirmed

    • The European Union has lifted sanctions against Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
    • Ukraine is preparing sanctions against more than 20 Russian oligarchs in response to the EU delisting decision.
    • Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sybiha stated that Kyiv fought publicly and privately until the last moment to prevent the delistings.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Ukraine is working to reinstate Usmanov and Fridman specifically on the restriction lists among other counter-measures.

    What to watch next

    • Implementation of the new Ukrainian sanctions targeting over 20 Russian oligarchs
    • Official European Union responses to Ukraine retaliatory measures
    • Any further legal or diplomatic challenges regarding the three-year extension of asset freezes
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. adalytica.com — EU sanctions on Russian oligarchs face scrutiny | Adalytica
    2. kyivindependent.com — Ukraine prepares sanctions on 20-plus Russian oligarchs in ...
    3. newsukraine.rbc.ua — Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs counters EU’s removal ...
    4. www.bgnes.com — Kyiv responds to EU delisting of two oligarchs with new ...
    confidence 100%

  8. EU Lifts Sanctions on Russian Oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman

    The European Union has removed Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list. EU ambassadors agreed to the delisting to secure a three-year extension of asset freezes and travel bans on roughly 3,000 other Russian individuals and entities. Previously, sanctions required renewal every six months. The decision sparked sharp criticism from Kyiv, which called the trade shameful and unjustifiable. Latvia also opposed the move, while France and Luxembourg insisted on dropping the two oligarchs. German newspapers condemned the reversal, warning it damages the bloc's credibility.

    Why it matters

    The trade-off shifts the EU sanctions renewal cycle from six months to 36 months, which removes the leverage individual capitals previously held twice a year through vetoes. France and Luxembourg pushed to remove Usmanov and Fridman to clear the path for the extended package. Latvia stood apart from the consensus by abstaining and instructing its foreign ministry to draft national sanctions to keep both men's assets frozen locally.

    What is confirmed

    • On September 22, EU countries agreed to remove USM Holdings founder Alisher Usmanov and Alfa Group co-founder Mikhail Fridman from the sanctions list.
    • EU ambassadors extended asset freezes and travel bans on roughly 3,000 Russian individuals and entities until September 22, 2029.
    • France and Luxembourg insisted on the delisting of Usmanov and Fridman.
    • Latvia abstained from the EU deal and ordered its foreign ministry to draft national sanctions to keep both men's assets frozen.
    • Kyiv called the trade shameful and unjustifiable.

    Still unconfirmed

    • German newspapers warned that the EU sanctions reversal damages the bloc's credibility and invites blackmail.

    What to watch next

    • Implementation of national sanctions by Latvia to keep the oligarchs frozen locally.
    • Future compliance and enforcement measures by the United Kingdom, which maintains its own sanctions on the tycoons.
    Sources used for this update (12)
    1. www.eonline.com — E! News: Celebrity News, Photos and Video
    2. www.eonline.com — E! Entertainment Shows, E! Schedule
    3. www.youtube.com — E! Entertainment - YouTube
    4. en.wikipedia.org — E - Wikipedia
    5. en.wikipedia.org — E! - Wikipedia
    6. www.youtube.com — E! News - YouTube
    7. ilifehacks.com — E with Accent Mark (é, è, ê, ë, ē, ẽ or É, È, Ê, Ë, Ē) :Type
    8. howtotypeanything.com — How to Type E with Accent Marks (è, é, ê, ë) on Keyboard
    9. meduza.io — The EU lifted sanctions on Russian billionaires Alisher ...
    10. newsukraine.rbc.ua — Russia's billionaire Usmanov escapes EU sanctions, France ...
    11. www.europesays.com — Europe Trades Two Oligarchs for a Three-Year Freeze as ...
    12. www.polskieradio.pl — German press slams EU sanctions U-turn on Russian oligarchs
    confidence 95%

  9. EU Removes Russian Oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman from Sanctions List

    The European Union has dropped sanctions against Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman as a deadline looms and EU sanctions are renewed. The decision drew immediate backlash from Kyiv, sparking Ukraine anger over the move. Meanwhile, Latvia criticized the action as cherry-picking sanctions that normalizes Russia, noting that Latvia stood alone as the only EU country to oppose lifting the restrictions. France had previously blocked EU sanctions in a push to spare Usmanov, and personal networks aided the tycoons in beating the measures. In contrast, the United Kingdom announced it will keep its sanctions on the Russian tycoons and criticized the EU decision.

    Why it matters

    Sanctions against Russian elites have formed a central pillar of Western economic pressure following the invasion of Ukraine. Divisions among member states periodically complicate these measures as national interests and diplomatic lobbying clash with collective policy. The removal of prominent billionaires highlights the fragile consensus required to sustain long-term restrictive measures.

    What is confirmed

    • The European Union dropped Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list.
    • Latvia was the only EU country to oppose lifting the sanctions on the Russian oligarchs.
    • The United Kingdom stated it will keep sanctions on Russian tycoons and criticized the EU decision.

    Still unconfirmed

    • France blocked EU sanctions in a push to spare oligarch Usmanov.

    What to watch next

    • Further official statements from EU member states regarding the renewed sanctions regime.
    • Potential diplomatic fallout between Kyiv and Brussels over the removal of the oligarchs.
    Sources used for this update (13)
    1. Reuters — EU to lift sanctions on Russia-linked Usmanov and Fridman, diplomats say
    2. The Washington Post — France blocks E.U. sanctions on Russia in push to spare oligarch Usmanov
    3. Reuters — EU renews Russia sanctions, drops Russian billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
    4. The Guardian — EU removes oligarchs from Russia sanctions list as deadline looms
    5. BBC — Ukraine anger as EU removes Russian oligarchs from sanctions list
    6. Euronews.com — 'Cherry-picking sanctions' normalises Russia, Latvian PM warns
    7. Yahoo — 'Cherry-picking sanctions' risks 'normalising' Russia, Latvian PM says amid Usmanov row
    8. dw.com — EU drops sanctions for Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman
    9. Euronews.com — Russia sanctions showdown leaves a bad taste
    10. Українська правда — Latvian PM says Latvia was only EU country to oppose lifting of sanctions on Russian oligarchs
    11. Bloomberg.com — Russian Tycoon’s Personal Networks Helped Beat EU on Sanctions
    12. Bloomberg.com — UK Will Keep Sanctions on Russian Tycoons, Critical of EU’s Lift
    confidence 95%
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