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● TRACKER Updated 3d ago · 19 sources tracked

EU fails to agree Russia sanctions rollover with one day to spare

Ukraine is preparing a sanctions list targeting more than 20 Russian businessmen following the EU's decision to remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its blacklist. This move follows a period of diplomatic friction where EU ambassadors failed to agree on a sanctions rollover. The Ukrainian government intends to press for the return of Usmanov and Fridman to the EU list while expanding its own domestic restrictions. This escalation comes as the EU struggles to maintain unanimity on punitive measures against Moscow.

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  • ✓ The EU has imposed restrictive measures against Russia since March 2014.
  • ✓ Ukraine is preparing sanctions against more than 20 Russian oligarchs.
  • ✓ The EU 21st sanctions package was delayed until July 23 due to a lack of consensus.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 19 independent reporting domains (90% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Ukraine announced a plan to sanction over 20 oligarchs in response to the EU delisting Usmanov and Fridman.

Live updates

  1. Ukraine threatens mass sanctions after EU delists Russian oligarchs

    Ukraine is preparing a sanctions list targeting more than 20 Russian businessmen following the EU's decision to remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its blacklist. This move follows a period of diplomatic friction where EU ambassadors failed to agree on a sanctions rollover. The Ukrainian government intends to press for the return of Usmanov and Fridman to the EU list while expanding its own domestic restrictions. This escalation comes as the EU struggles to maintain unanimity on punitive measures against Moscow.

    Why it matters

    The EU has progressively imposed restrictive measures against Russia since March 2014. Recent efforts to coordinate the 21st sanctions package faced delays and concessions, including a carve-out for European vessels carrying Russian LNG to non-EU customers.

    What is confirmed

    • The EU has imposed restrictive measures against Russia since March 2014.
    • Ukraine is preparing sanctions against more than 20 Russian oligarchs.
    • The EU 21st sanctions package was delayed until July 23 due to a lack of consensus.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Greece dropped a veto on the 21st sanctions package in exchange for a carve-out allowing European vessels to carry Russian LNG under specific contracts.
    • Beijing may take retaliatory actions against European firms due to EU sanctions on Chinese banks.

    What to watch next

    • Ukraine's formal submission of the new sanctions list targeting 20+ businessmen
    • EU diplomatic response to Ukraine's demand to relist Usmanov and Fridman
    Sources used for this update (10)
    1. globalsanctions.com — Global Sanctions News
    2. www.rferl.org — Wider Europe - RFE/RL
    3. kyivindependent.com — EU adopts Russia sanctions over crackdown on anti-war party ...
    4. en.parapolitika.gr — EU delays decision on 21st Russia sanctions package amid lack ...
    5. finance.ec.europa.eu — Sanctions adopted following Russia’s military aggression ...
    6. finance.ec.europa.eu — Consolidated version - Finance - European Commission
    7. kyivindependent.com — Ukraine prepares sanctions on 20-plus Russian oligarchs in ...
    8. www.wionews.com — China retaliates after EU sanctions its banks for aiding Russia
    9. www.europesays.com — Ukraine to Seek Return of Usmanov and Fridman to EU Sanctions ...
    10. www.ips-journal.eu — Europe is not losing the sanctions fight – Foreign and ...
    confidence 90%

  2. EU Fails to Agree on Russia Sanctions Rollover

    The European Union ambassadors failed to agree on extending sanctions against Russia, with only one day remaining before the deadline. The disagreement arose due to a proposal to delist Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman from the sanctions list. Ukraine's President Zelensky sharply criticized the French initiative to exclude Usmanov from the blacklist. The existing punitive measures are now in limbo amid diplomatic friction among member states.

    Why it matters

    The European Union had been maintaining a unified stance on Russia sanctions since the conflict began. However, internal disagreements have started to emerge, fueled by concerns over the economic impact of the sanctions and potential exemptions for certain Russian oligarchs. The sanctions have been a crucial aspect of the EU's support for Ukraine.

    What is confirmed

    • The EU extended sanctions on around 3,000 Russian individuals, entities and companies but lifted measures against oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman.
    • The EU faces backlash after ending sanctions on Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
    • Ukrainian President Zelensky sharply criticized the French initiative to exclude Usmanov from the blacklist.

    What to watch next

    • The EU's decision on future sanctions against Russia
    • Ukraine's response to the EU's lifting of sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman
    • The impact of the sanctions on Russia's economy
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. www.politico.eu — Russia sanctions - POLITICO
    2. www.politico.eu — EU-Russia relations - POLITICO
    3. en.tempo.co — EU Drops Sanctions for Russian Oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman
    4. www.globalbankingandfinance.com — EU Faces Criticism After Lifting Sanctions on Russian ...
    5. www.dagens.com — EU removes two crucial sanctions against Russia: “A difficult ...
    6. www.straitstimes.com — EU faces backlash after lifting sanctions on Russian ...
    confidence 90%

  3. EU Fails to Agree Russia Sanctions Rollover

    European Union ambassadors failed to agree on extending sanctions against Russia with only one day remaining before the deadline. France joined Slovakia in asking to delist Russian oligarch Usmanov from the European Union sanctions list. Slovakia demanded the removal of Usmanov and Fridman, while France proposed a compromise. Ukrainian President Zelensky sharply criticized the French initiative to exclude Usmanov from the blacklist. The disagreement leaves the extension of existing punitive measures in limbo amid diplomatic friction among member states.

    Why it matters

    Sanctions against Russia require unanimous backing from member states to remain in place, making individual vetoes or demands powerful leverage. Slovakia previously maintained a veto stance on the measures. The push by Paris and Bratislava to alter the blacklist complicates the routine rollover process.

    What is confirmed

    • European Union ambassadors failed to agree on extending sanctions against Russia.
    • France joined Slovakia in asking to delist Russian oligarch Usmanov from the sanctions list.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Slovakia demanded the removal of Usmanov and Fridman, while France proposed a compromise.

    What to watch next

    • Whether EU ambassadors reach a consensus on the sanctions rollover before the deadline
    • Any further diplomatic compromise regarding the status of oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. politico.eu — EU fails to agree Russia sanctions rollover with one day to spare
    2. Euronews.com — France joins Slovakia in asking to delist Russian oligarch Usmanov
    3. ІА Король Данило — France wants to exclude Usmanov from the EU sanctions list: Zelensky sharply criticized the initiative
    4. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty — Wider Europe Briefing: New Russia Sanctions And The Slovak Veto
    5. Українська правда — EU ambassadors fail to agree on extending sanctions against Russia
    6. world.comments.ua — Евросоюз не смог продлить санкции против России: детали
    confidence 90%
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