EU continues talks on deal to lift sanctions on Russia-linked billionaires Usmanov and Fridman, diplomats say
The European Union has renewed sanctions against approximately 3,000 Russian targets for three years but removed billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Petr Fridman from the blacklist. The decision follows a renewal deal that Ukraine has described as shameful. The move comes after a period of internal deadlock where France pushed to spare Usmanov while Latvia and its prime minister actively opposed the removal of the two billionaires.
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- ✓ The EU removed billionaires Usmanov and Fridman from its sanctions list.
- ✓ The EU renewed sanctions on about 3,000 other targets for three years.
- ✓ Latvia and the Latvian Prime Minister opposed the deal to lift sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman.
- ✓ France sought to lift sanctions on Usmanov.
What changed
The EU finalized a renewal deal that officially delists Usmanov and Fridman while extending sanctions for others.
Live updates
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EU removes billionaires Usmanov and Fridman from sanctions list
The European Union has renewed sanctions against approximately 3,000 Russian targets for three years but removed billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Petr Fridman from the blacklist. The decision follows a renewal deal that Ukraine has described as shameful. The move comes after a period of internal deadlock where France pushed to spare Usmanov while Latvia and its prime minister actively opposed the removal of the two billionaires.
Why it matters
The EU maintains a comprehensive sanctions regime to pressure Russia over its actions in Ukraine. Removing high-profile oligarchs suggests a shift in diplomatic priorities or internal compromise among member states. This specific deal highlights the tension between member states like France and Latvia regarding the enforcement of economic penalties.
What is confirmed
- The EU removed billionaires Usmanov and Fridman from its sanctions list.
- The EU renewed sanctions on about 3,000 other targets for three years.
- Latvia and the Latvian Prime Minister opposed the deal to lift sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman.
- France sought to lift sanctions on Usmanov.
Still unconfirmed
- Ukraine called the sanctions renewal deal shameful.
- France blocked other EU sanctions on Russia specifically to protect Usmanov.
What to watch next
- Official EU publication of the updated sanctions list
- Further diplomatic responses from the Ukrainian government
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (13)
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- France 24 — Live: Russia says it hit Ukrainian cargo vessels, Izmail port and logistics centre
- Reuters — EU to lift sanctions on Russia-linked Usmanov and Fridman, diplomats say
- euractiv.com — Latvia blocks deal to renew EU’s Russia blacklist
- Euronews.com — Latvia blocks deal to remove Usmanov from EU sanctions list
- Bloomberg.com — Latvia Opposes French Bid to Lift EU Sanctions on Russian Tycoon
- Yahoo — Latvian PM opposes deal to lift sanctions on Russia-linked billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
- The Guardian — EU deadlocked on changes to Russia sanctions ahead of key Ukraine, Greenland talks - Europe live
- The Washington Post — France blocks E.U. sanctions on Russia in push to spare oligarch Usmanov
- politico.eu — EU removes two Russian billionaires from sanctions list
- Reuters — EU renews Russia sanctions, drops Russian billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
- Financial Times — EU to lift sanctions on two Russian oligarchs
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