EU drops sanctions for Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman

Live updates

1. 8d ago

   EU Backlash Grows After Lifting Sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman

   European Union member states and opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin face heavy criticism following the decision to lift sanctions against Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. Lithuania maintains its own national asset freezes and entry bans against both men through 2027, rejecting the European Union action as the wrong signal. Meanwhile, Ukraine condemns the delisting and pushes a proposal to target ten additional Russian oligarchs with European Union penalties. While the European Union rolled back restrictions on Usmanov and Fridman, international jurisdictions continue separate compliance requirements.

   Why it matters

   The European Union, United Kingdom, and United States moved quickly to isolate the Kremlin with sweeping sanctions following Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. The recent removal of Usmanov and Fridman from the European blacklist exposes fractures among member states regarding enforcement. Lithuania acts independently to preserve national asset freezes, highlighting diplomatic friction within European institutions over sanctions relief.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Union lifted sanctions on Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
   • The European Union decision to remove sanctions from Usmanov and Fridman drew criticism from member states and opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
   • Lithuania independently maintains asset freezes and entry bans against Usmanov and Fridman through 2027.
   • Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys called the European Union move the wrong signal.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ukraine is currently drafting a proposal for ten other Russian oligarchs to be sanctioned by the European Union.

   What to watch next

   • Whether the European Union adopts Ukraine's proposal to sanction ten additional Russian oligarchs.
   • Any formal response from Brussels regarding member state backlash over the delisting of Usmanov and Fridman.
   Sources used for this update (10)

   1. www.politico.eu — Russia sanctions - POLITICO
   2. www.kiprinform.com — EU faces backlash over lifting sanctions on two Russian ...
   3. www.forbes.com — Mikhail Fridman - Forbes
   4. sanctions-finder.com — Alisher Burkhanovich USMANOV | Sanctions Finder
   5. sanctions-finder.com — Alisher Burhanovich USMANOV - Sanctions Finder
   6. www.forbes.com — Alisher Usmanov - Forbes
   7. sanctions-finder.com — Mikhail Maratovic FRIDMAN | Sanctions Finder
   8. www.globalbankingandfinance.com — Sanctions - Global Banking & Finance Review
   9. www.legal500.com — EU Russia Sanctions Update: Steel Restrictions Take Effect ...
   10. ukrainianweek.com — Sanctions relief and a G20 invitation for Putin hint at the ...
   confidence 95%
2. 19d ago

   Lithuania maintains sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman after EU lift

   Lithuania has independently frozen the assets of Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman following a September 2026 European Union decision to lift sanctions against them. While the EU removed the men from its list, Lithuania is maintaining its own national regime of asset freezes and entry bans through 2027. Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys called the EU's move the wrong signal. Ukraine has also condemned the decision and is currently drafting a proposal for ten other Russian oligarchs to be sanctioned by the EU.

   Why it matters

   The divergence between EU policy and Baltic national security measures highlights internal friction over how to penalize Russian elites. Lithuania's refusal to follow the EU lift indicates a harder line on Russian influence in the region.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Union lifted sanctions from Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman in September 2026.
   • Lithuania has independently frozen the assets of Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ukraine is preparing a new list of ten Russian oligarchs to propose for EU sanctions.
   • Lithuania's national sanctions regime includes entry bans and asset freezes through 2027.
   • Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys described the EU decision as the wrong signal.

   What to watch next

   • The EU's response to Ukraine's proposed list of ten Russian oligarchs
   • The official expiration or renewal of Lithuania's national sanctions in 2027
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. businesselitesafrica.com — Lithuania Freezes Usmanov, Fridman Assets After EU Lift
   2. www.jbanc.org — EU Sanctions on Russia: A Controversial Compromise
   3. www.europesays.com — Sanctions Without Incentives – Riddle Russia - Europe
   confidence 90%
3. 22d ago

   Lithuania freezes assets of Fridman and Usmanov after EU delisting

   Lithuania has imposed national sanctions and asset freezes on Russian oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov following their removal from the European Union sanctions list. Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys described the EU's decision as the wrong signal. While the EU has dropped these individuals, Lithuania's national regime freezes their assets through 2027 and includes entry bans. Ukraine also condemned the EU's move as a wrong decision and is preparing a new list of ten Russian oligarchs to propose for EU sanctions.

   Why it matters

   The EU previously removed these oligarchs despite resistance from Ukraine and concerns that delistings create a dangerous precedent for other targeted individuals. This occurs as the EU expands other restrictions, including a proposed 22nd package and new sanctions on North Korea-Russia military ties.

   What is confirmed

   • Lithuania froze the assets of Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov under a national sanctions regime.
   • The European Union removed Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov from its sanctions list.
   • Ukraine described the EU's decision to remove the oligarchs as a wrong decision.
   • Lithuania's asset freeze on the two billionaires lasts through 2027.
   • The EU sanctioned 3 individuals and 4 entities for illegal ties between Russia and North Korea.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Ukraine is preparing a new list of ten Russian oligarchs for EU sanctions.
   • Lawmaker Franz Fayot claims Luxembourg's excuse for delisting Mikhail Fridman fails to convince.

   What to watch next

   • EU response to Ukraine's proposed list of ten additional oligarchs
   • Finalization and implementation of the EU's 22nd sanctions package
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. www.mcdermottlaw.com — EU Russia Sanctions Update: Steel, Delistings & 22nd Package
   2. united24media.com — Sybiha: EU Was Wrong to Remove Usmanov and Fridman, Ukraine Will Propose 10 More Oligarchs — UNITED24 M....
   3. kyivindependent.com — Luxembourg's excuse for de-listing Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman fails to convince
   4. united24media.com — EU Expands Sanctions on North Korea and Russian Firms Over Growing Military and Economic Ties — UNITED2....
   5. hromadske.ua — Lithuania freezes assets of Russian billionaires Fridman and ...
   6. www.yahoo.com — Lithuania freezes assets of Russian oligarchs Mikhail Fridman ...
   7. www.europesays.com — Lithuania freezes the assets of Russian oligarchs Fridman and ...
   8. newsukraine.rbc.ua — Controversial EU decision prompts Lithuania to freeze assets ...
   9. www.lrt.lt — Lithuania imposes national asset freezes on Russian ...
   10. en.h.ua — Lithuania freezes Fridman and Usmanov assets after EU ...
   11. sanctionslists.org — Lithuania Freezes Assets of Usmanov and Fridman After EU ...
   12. www.billionaires.africa — Russian billionaires Usmanov, Fridman face Lithuania freeze
   confidence 100%
4. 28d ago

   EU Excludes Oligarchs Despite Backlash Over Sanctions Policy

   The European Union has no plans to reinstate sanctions against Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, despite resistance from Ukraine and warnings from critics that delistings set a dangerous precedent. This decision coincides with the approval of a record sanctions expansion targeting more than 1,600 people and entities. While France and Slovakia previously pushed for the oligarchs' removal, the bloc simultaneously revised its measures to exclude a Russian rare earth metals company supplying an Estonian business. Critics warn that these exemptions and delistings encourage other targeted individuals to seek legal and political exits.

   Why it matters

   Sanctions remain a primary weapon against Russian elites following the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, making the removal of high-profile figures a contentious issue. Bill Browder warns that wealthy Russians are actively scheming to escape restrictions, which he calls the worst thing to happen to them. Meanwhile, the bloc balances strict enforcement against member state economic dependencies, as demonstrated by exemptions granted to secure supply chains.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Union has agreed to blacklist more than 1,600 people and entities in its largest expansion of sanctions against Russia since the 2022 invasion.
   • The European Union has no plans to reinstate sanctions against Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman in the near future.
   • Bill Browder stated that sanctions are the worst thing that can happen to Russian oligarchs and that they are scheming to get off the sanctions list.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The removal of Usmanov and Fridman followed pressure specifically from France and Slovakia.

   What to watch next

   • Whether additional sanctioned Russian figures successfully use legal or political means to secure removal from the EU blacklist.
   • Future updates on the implementation and enforcement of the record 1,600 new sanctions listings.
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. www.euronews.com — Video. Browder: Dropping oligarchs from sanctions sets 'bad precedent' | Euronews
   2. www.themoscowtimes.com — EU Approves Record Sanctions Expansion Targeting 1.6K Russian ...
   3. en.tempo.co — EU Envoy in China to Avert Trade War - World En.tempo.co
   4. www.yahoo.com — EU excludes Russian company from sanctions list at Estonia's request
   5. globalmarketeu-store.myshopify.com — Global Market EU
   6. n0bkvz-eu.myshopify.com — n0bkvz-eu.myshopify.com - My Store
   7. ilf-distribution-eu.myshopify.com — Fleshlight Girls Blake Blossom Bombshell – FLD EU
   8. eu4e3h-a9.myshopify.com — Jouets d'apprentissage – VELORA
   9. ilf-distribution-eu.myshopify.com — Fleshlight Girls Sky Bri Celestial – FLD EU
   confidence 90%
5. 34d ago

   EU rejects reinstating sanctions on Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman

   The European Union has no plans to reinstate sanctions against Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman in the near future, according to Kaja Kallas. This stance persists despite efforts by Ukraine to return the two men to the sanctions lists. While the EU focuses on approximately 1,600 new sanctions listings, the removal of Usmanov and Fridman remains a point of contention. The delisting followed pressure from France and Slovakia, creating a potential blueprint for other sanctioned Russian figures to seek removal through legal or political means.

   Why it matters

   The EU removed these billionaires on September 22, 2026, the first such move since broad restrictions began nearly five years ago. The decision coincided with a three-year extension of sanctions for 3,000 other Russian targets. This shift has strained relations with Kyiv and prompted Baltic states to implement their own travel bans.

   What is confirmed

   • Kaja Kallas stated the EU does not expect Alisher Usmanov or Mikhail Fridman to be sanctioned again in the near future.
   • The EU is currently working on approximately 1,600 new sanctions listings.
   • France and Slovakia pressured the EU to remove Usmanov and Fridman from the sanctions list.
   • Ukraine is working to reinstate Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman on sanctions lists.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Usmanov and Fridman escaped sanctions through political leverage and legal pressure.
   • The delisting of these businessmen reflects the use of sanctions as bargaining chips regarding national interests and EU governance.

   What to watch next

   • Formal updates to the Ukrainian national sanctions list regarding EU-delisted individuals
   • The outcome of the 1,600 new EU sanctions listings currently in progress
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. newsukraine.rbc.ua — Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs counters EU’s removal ...
   2. united24media.com — How Russian Oligarchs Are Finding a Way Out of EU Sanctions ...
   3. newsukraine.rbc.ua — EU says sanctions against Russia's oligarchs Usmanov and ...
   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. luxsb.lu — When Sanctions Become Bargaining Chips. The Delisting of ...
   confidence 90%
6. 36d ago

   EU Delists Russian Tycoons Usmanov and Fridman

   The European Union removed Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions blacklist on September 22, 2026. This action marks the first successful removal of major figures from EU restrictions since the bloc enacted broad measures against Russian billionaires nearly five years ago. France, Luxembourg, and Slovakia spearheaded the push to delist the tycoons, securing a three-year extension of individual restrictions on approximately 3,000 other Russian entities and individuals through September 2029. The decision drew sharp criticism from Kyiv, prompting Baltic states to issue national travel bans and Ukraine to expand its own sanctions list.

   Why it matters

   The European Union operates as a political and economic union of 27 member states with an estimated population of just under 452 million as of 2026. Member states must agree unanimously in the Council for the union to adopt certain policies, while collective decisions for other matters are made by qualified majority voting. This governance structure allows individual member states to influence contentious foreign policy actions like sanctions.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Union removed Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions blacklist on September 22, 2026.
   • France, Luxembourg, and Slovakia led the push to delist the tycoons.
   • The concession allowed for a three-year extension of individual restrictions on roughly 3,000 other Russian entities and individuals through September 2029.
   • Baltic states enacted immediate national travel bans and Ukraine expanded its sanctions list in response.
   • The European Union consists of 27 member states with an estimated population of just under 452 million as of 2026.

   What to watch next

   • Further national travel bans or legal challenges from additional EU member states
   • Updates to the expanded Ukrainian sanctions list targeting the delisted billionaires
   • Future Council votes regarding the September 2029 expiration of remaining sanctions
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. european-union.europa.eu — Your gateway to the EU, News, Highlights | European Union
   2. commission.europa.eu — European Commission, official website - European Commission
   3. european-union.europa.eu — EU countries - European Union
   4. en.wikipedia.org — European Union - Wikipedia
   5. en.wikipedia.org — Member state of the European Union - Wikipedia
   confidence 100%
7. 38d ago

   EU Removes Usmanov and Fridman From Sanctions List

   The European Union removed Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions blacklist on September 22, 2026. This marks the first time major figures have successfully escaped EU restrictions after nearly five years of broad measures against Russian billionaires. The concession allowed for a three-year extension of individual restrictions on roughly 3,000 other Russian entities and individuals through September 2029. France, Luxembourg, and Slovakia led the push to delist the tycoons, drawing severe criticism from Kyiv and prompting immediate national travel bans from Baltic states and an expanded Ukrainian sanctions list.

   Why it matters

   The delisting trade-off underscores internal divisions among European Union member states over how to maintain and enforce restrictive measures against Russian elites. Lithuania responded to the EU decision by banning both billionaires for five years, while Latvia and Estonia prepared similar unilateral prohibitions. Ukraine expanded its own target list by adding 20 more Russian oligarchs in direct retaliation against the European Council action.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Union agreed to remove Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions blacklist on September 22, 2026.
   • The delisting secured a three-year extension of individual restrictions on roughly 3,000 other Russian individuals, entities, and companies until September 2029.
   • France, Luxembourg, and Slovakia spearheaded the push to drop the two tycoons.
   • Lithuania responded on September 25 by banning both billionaires for five years, with Latvia and Estonia preparing similar national measures.
   • Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman became the first major figures to successfully get themselves removed from the EU red list after four and a half years of sanctions.
   • Ukraine will add 20 more Russian oligarchs to its sanctions lists in response to the EU lifting sanctions against Fridman and Usmanov.

   What to watch next

   • Latvia and Estonia officially implementing their own national bans against Usmanov and Fridman
   • The formal publication and application of Ukraine's expanded sanctions list targeting 20 additional Russian oligarchs
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.rferl.org — Wider Europe - RFE/RL
   2. en.thebell.io — Sanctions lifted from oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman - The Bell
   3. united24media.com — Russian Business Earnings Plummet to Lowest Point Since the 2020 Pandemic — UNITED24 Media
   4. www.ukrinform.net — Ukraine to add 20 Russian oligarchs to sanctions list after ...
   confidence 100%
8. 40d ago

   EU Drops Sanctions on Oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman

   The European Union agreed to remove Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions blacklist on September 22, 2026. The concession secured a three-year extension of individual restrictions on roughly 3,000 other Russian individuals, entities, and companies until September 2029. France, Luxembourg, and Slovakia spearheaded the push to drop the two tycoons, triggering sharp backlash from Kyiv, which condemned the move as a dangerous concession and unjustifiable. Meanwhile, Lithuania responded on September 25 by banning both billionaires for five years, with Latvia and Estonia preparing similar national measures.

   Why it matters

   The compromise averted a complete collapse of the broader EU sanctions package after intense negotiations threatened to waste measures in place since 2022. Officials in Brussels expressed concern that the exemptions set a troubling precedent for the Western economic pressure campaign against Moscow. The decision exposed deep divisions among allies, contrasting sharply with the United Kingdom, which maintains its own restrictions against both men.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Union removed Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list on September 22, 2026.
   • The bloc extended individual sanctions on roughly 3,000 Russian individuals and entities for three years until September 2029.
   • Lithuania banned Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman for five years on September 25, 2026.
   • Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev pardoned a French national jailed for espionage on September 23, 2026.

   Still unconfirmed

   • France pushed to delist Alisher Usmanov because Azerbaijan made it a condition.

   What to watch next

   • Latvia and Estonia formally enacting national bans against Usmanov and Fridman.
   • Further reactions from United Kingdom and Ukrainian officials regarding EU enforcement divergence.
   Sources used for this update (19)

   1. kyivindependent.com — Who are Usmanov and Fridman, the Russian oligarchs France helped remove from the EU sanctions list?
   2. www.france24.com — EU resumes talks on lifting sanctions on two Russian oligarchs as deadline looms
   3. www.marketscreener.com — Azerbaijan pardons French national after EU drops sanctions on Usmanov
   4. www.yahoo.com — EU to lift sanctions against Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman
   5. cashwalklabs.io — EU drops sanctions for Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman | Global Cashwalk
   6. en.tempo.co — EU Drops Sanctions for Russian Oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman
   7. www.yahoo.com — EU agrees to lift sanctions on Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman
   8. hromadske.ua — EU drops sanctions on Russian billionaires Usmanov and ...
   9. www.pravda.com.ua — EU extends Russia sanctions for three years, delists ...
   10. primexbt.com — EU extends Russia sanctions for three years, drops two oligarchs from list
   11. meduza.io — The EU lifted sanctions on Russian billionaires Alisher ...
   12. www.rferl.org — Wider Europe Briefing: Will The EU Soon Lift Potash Sanctions On Belarus?
   confidence 95%
9. 43d ago

   EU lifts sanctions on Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman

   The European Union removed Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list while renewing other measures against Russia. France and Luxembourg led the effort to spare the tycoons, causing a rift with Ukraine and the United Kingdom. While the EU dropped the restrictions, the UK intends to maintain its own sanctions against both men. This divergence highlights a lack of unity among Western allies regarding the economic pressure campaign against Moscow.

   Why it matters

   Sanctions regimes typically require international coordination to prevent targeted individuals from moving assets to lenient jurisdictions. The EU's decision to exempt specific oligarchs suggests internal disagreements over the legal or political basis for their inclusion.

   What to watch next

   • The UK's formal implementation of continued sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman
   • Official responses from the Ukrainian government regarding the EU decision
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. note.com — 10 Macroeconomic News Highlights of the Week (September 26, 2026)
   2. en.tempo.co — Russian National Reportedly Missing in Bali, Basarnas Conducts Search
   confidence 100%
10. 45d ago

    EU Removes Russian Oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman from Sanctions

    The European Union has renewed its Russia sanctions while removing Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman as a deadline looms. The decision has sparked anger in Ukraine and drew sharp criticism from the United Kingdom, which announced it will keep sanctions in place on the Russian tycoons. France and Luxembourg played a central role in the outcome, with France previously blocking EU efforts in a push to spare Usmanov. The move has exposed deep divisions within the international sanctions regime against Moscow.

    Why it matters

    The removal of high-profile billionaires from the European Union penalty list highlights friction among Western allies enforcing measures against Russian wealth. While London maintains its restrictive stance, the European bloc faces a severe backlash over the policy shift. The timing of the decision coincided with an expiring sanctions deadline, forcing internal compromises.

    What is confirmed

    • The European Union renewed its Russia sanctions while dropping billionaires Usmanov and Fridman.
    • France blocked European Union sanctions in a push to spare oligarch Usmanov.
    • The United Kingdom stated it will keep sanctions on Russian tycoons and criticized the EU's decision to lift them.
    • Ukraine expressed anger over the removal of the Russian oligarchs from the sanctions list.

    Still unconfirmed

    • France and Luxembourg fatally wounded the EU's Russia sanctions regime.

    What to watch next

    • Any potential policy adjustments or statements from London regarding UK-EU alignment on sanctions.
    • Further official responses from Ukrainian leadership concerning the European Union's sanctions decisions.
    Sources used for this update (9)

    1. The Washington Post — France blocks E.U. sanctions on Russia in push to spare oligarch Usmanov
    2. Reuters — EU renews Russia sanctions, drops Russian billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
    3. The Guardian — EU removes oligarchs from Russia sanctions list as deadline looms
    4. BBC — Ukraine anger as EU removes Russian oligarchs from sanctions list
    5. dw.com — EU drops sanctions for Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman
    6. Euronews.com — Russia sanctions showdown leaves a bad taste
    7. Bloomberg.com — UK Will Keep Sanctions on Russian Tycoons, Critical of EU’s Lift
    8. Reuters — EU faces backlash after lifting sanctions on Russian billionaires
    9. Financial Times — How France and Luxembourg fatally wounded the EU’s Russia sanctions regime
    confidence 100%