EU renews Russia sanctions, drops Russian billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
The European Union renewed its 36-month sanctions framework against Russia but removed billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its list. This decision triggered criticism from Putin opponents and several member states. In response, Lithuania enacted national sanctions to freeze the assets of both men. While the bloc prepares a 22nd package of punitive measures and new steel restrictions, the removal of these individuals has created a rift between EU leadership and certain member governments over the signal it sends to those supporting the war in Ukraine.
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- ✓ The EU removed Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list.
- ✓ Lithuania implemented national sanctions to freeze the assets of Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
- ✓ The EU is preparing a 22nd sanctions package and new restrictions on steel.
- ✓ The EU's sanctions framework renewal is set for 36 months.
What changed
Luxembourg's prime minister defended the government's September push to delist Mikhail Fridman in parliament.
Live updates
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EU lifts sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman amid member state backlash
The European Union renewed its 36-month sanctions framework against Russia but removed billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its list. This decision triggered criticism from Putin opponents and several member states. In response, Lithuania enacted national sanctions to freeze the assets of both men. While the bloc prepares a 22nd package of punitive measures and new steel restrictions, the removal of these individuals has created a rift between EU leadership and certain member governments over the signal it sends to those supporting the war in Ukraine.
Why it matters
Sanctions serve as the primary economic tool for the EU to pressure Russia into ending its war against Ukraine. The removal of high-profile oligarchs suggests internal disagreement over the legal or political criteria for maintaining individual listings. This tension is highlighted by Luxembourg's role in the delisting process.
What is confirmed
- The EU removed Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list.
- Lithuania implemented national sanctions to freeze the assets of Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
- The EU is preparing a 22nd sanctions package and new restrictions on steel.
- The EU's sanctions framework renewal is set for 36 months.
Still unconfirmed
- Luxembourg's government pushed for the delisting of Mikhail Fridman in September.
- Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys described the EU's choice as the wrong signal.
What to watch next
- Details of the proposed 22nd sanctions package
- Further national-level sanctions by EU member states against delisted individuals
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.politico.eu — Russia sanctions - POLITICO
- www.kiprinform.com — EU faces backlash over lifting sanctions on two Russian ...
- www.jbanc.org — EU Sanctions on Russia: A Controversial Compromise
- www.europesays.com — Luxembourg's excuse for de-listing Russian oligarch Mikhail ...
- www.forbes.com — Mikhail Fridman - Forbes
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EU Renews Sanctions, Drops Russian Billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
Lithuania has enacted national sanctions to freeze assets belonging to Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. This move follows the European Union's decision to drop both men from its sanctions list during a recent renewal of measures targeting individuals who support the war against Ukraine. Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys publicly criticized the European Union choice as the wrong signal. Meanwhile, the bloc continues preparing additional punitive measures, which include a proposed 22nd package and new steel restrictions, while keeping its 36-month sanctions framework renewal intact.
Why it matters
The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states that operate under a shared legal and regulatory order. The bloc maintains common policies on trade and external relations, using targeted sanctions as a primary foreign policy tool against individuals backing the conflict in Ukraine. Discrepancies between bloc-level decisions and national enforcement highlight the complex political dynamics among member states when implementing foreign policy.
What is confirmed
- Lithuania has applied national sanctions to freeze the assets of Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
- The national restrictions followed the European Union dropping both men from its sanctions roster during a renewal of measures against individuals backing the war against Ukraine.
- Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys criticized the European Union decision as the wrong signal.
- The European Union continues to prepare additional restrictions, including a proposed 22nd package and new steel restrictions.
- The bloc maintains its 36-month sanctions framework renewal.
- The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states.
What to watch next
- Adoption of the proposed 22nd sanctions package by the European Union.
- Implementation of new steel restrictions by the bloc.
- Further national actions by member states regarding individuals dropped from EU lists.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- european-union.europa.eu — Your gateway to the EU, News, Highlights | European Union
- en.wikipedia.org — European Union - Wikipedia
- en.wikipedia.org — Member state of the European Union - Wikipedia
- commission.europa.eu — European Commission, official website - European Commission
- european-union.europa.eu — EU countries - European Union
- factsinstitute.com — EU Countries: All 27 European Union Member States
- www.bbc.co.uk — What is the EU and why isn't the UK in it? - BBC Bitesize
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Lithuania Freezes Usmanov and Fridman Assets Following EU Delisting
Lithuania has applied national sanctions to freeze the assets of Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. The national restrictions arrived after the European Union dropped both men from its sanctions roster during a recent renewal of its measures against individuals backing the war against Ukraine. Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys criticized the European Union decision as the wrong signal. Meanwhile, the bloc continues to prepare additional restrictions, including a proposed 22nd package and new steel restrictions, while maintaining its 36-month sanctions framework renewal.
Why it matters
The European Union recently renewed its sanctions framework targeting individuals supporting the war against Ukraine for a 36-month period, marking the longest renewal since the invasion began. Securing this political deal required dropping Usmanov and Fridman from the listings, a move accompanied by EU ambassadors removing billionaire Mikhail Gutseriev from the Belarus sanctions list. Kaja Kallas confirmed that the bloc holds no plans to reinstate sanctions against Usmanov and Fridman despite officials working on roughly 1,600 new listings.
What is confirmed
- Lithuania froze the assets of Russian billionaires Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov under its national sanctions regime.
- The European Union previously removed both Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list.
- Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys called the European Union delisting of the billionaires the wrong signal.
What to watch next
- Implementation and details of the proposed 22nd European Union sanctions package
- Further actions by other national governments regarding the delisted Russian billionaires
- Adoption of additional steel restrictions by the European Union
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.mcdermottlaw.com — EU Russia Sanctions Update: Steel, Delistings & 22nd Package
- hromadske.ua — Lithuania freezes assets of Russian billionaires Fridman and ...
- www.lrt.lt — Lithuania imposes national asset freezes on Russian ...
- en.h.ua — Lithuania freezes Fridman and Usmanov assets after EU ...
- sanctionslists.org — Lithuania Freezes Assets of Usmanov and Fridman After EU ...
- www.billionaires.africa — Russian billionaires Usmanov, Fridman face Lithuania freeze
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EU Renews Sanctions, Drops Russian Billionaires
The European Union has renewed its sanctions framework against individuals backing the war against Ukraine for a 36-month period, which marks the longest such renewal since the invasion. However, the decision involved dropping Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the listings as part of a required political deal. Kaja Kallas confirmed the bloc has no plans to reinstate sanctions against Usmanov and Fridman, even as officials work on about 1,600 new listings. Additionally, EU ambassadors removed billionaire Mikhail Gutseriev from the Belarus sanctions list.
Why it matters
Sanction renewals require unanimous agreement among member states, creating leverage for targeted individuals to challenge restrictive measures through legal and diplomatic channels. The exclusion of prominent oligarchs has drawn sharp criticism from Russian dissidents, who argue the rollbacks expose European weakness while political prisoners remain imprisoned in Russia and Azerbaijan. Meanwhile, targeted individuals continue to wage multi-year legal battles to overturn various punitive measures.
What is confirmed
- The European Union extended personal sanctions against individuals backing the war against Ukraine for 36 months.
- Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman were removed from the EU sanctions list.
- Kaja Kallas stated that the bloc has no plans to reinstate sanctions against Usmanov and Fridman.
- EU ambassadors removed Russian billionaire Mikhail Gutseriev from the bloc Belarus sanctions list on October 7.
Still unconfirmed
- Russian dissidents claim 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 mentioned by Kaja Kallas
- Potential further legal challenges or delisting requests from other sanctioned Russian oligarchs
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.kyivpost.com — Russian Opposition Slams EU Decision to Lift Usmanov Sanctions
- meduza.io — Russian billionaire Mikhail Gutseriev spent years fighting EU ...
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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. Kaja Kallas stated that the bloc is working on about 1,600 new sanctions listings, but the two billionaires will not be re-listed. The decision to remove Usmanov and Fridman was part of a deal required to extend personal sanctions against individuals backing the war against Ukraine for 36 months, which is the longest renewal of its kind since the invasion.
Why it matters
The delisting of the two high-profile oligarchs occurred under pressure from France and Slovakia to secure the broader three-year extension of the bloc's personal sanctions framework. While dropped by Brussels, both billionaires continue to face restrictions under separate international frameworks. Meanwhile, European ambassadors approved the largest single expansion of Russia sanctions listings since the invasion on October 7, alongside plans to remove two oligarchs from the sanctions list against Belarus.
What is confirmed
- The European Union has no plans to reinstate sanctions against Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman in the near future.
- Kaja Kallas stated that the EU is working on about 1,600 new sanctions listings.
- The Russian oligarchs were recently removed from the EU sanctions list under pressure from France and Slovakia.
- The EU extended personal sanctions against those backing the war against Ukraine for 36 months, which required delisting Usmanov and Fridman.
- European ambassadors approved the largest single expansion of Russia sanctions listings since the invasion on October 7.
Still unconfirmed
- European ambassadors planned to remove two oligarchs from the sanctions list against Belarus on Wednesday, October 7.
What to watch next
- Implementation and details of the approximately 1,600 new EU sanctions listings currently in development
- Any formal Ukrainian actions or international diplomatic pushback to challenge the delisting of Usmanov and Fridman
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.yahoo.com — EU has no plans to reinstate sanctions against Russian ...
- www.eurointegration.com.ua — Kallas says EU has no plans to reinstate sanctions against ...
- newsukraine.rbc.ua — EU to remove 2 more oligarchs from sanctions list | RBC-Ukraine
- en.h.ua — EU extends Russia sanctions three years but drops two ...
- eualive.net — EU clears its largest Russia sanctions list since the invasion
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EU Rules Out Re-Sanctioning Usmanov and Fridman as Kyiv Prepares Response
The European Union has confirmed it will not reimpose sanctions on Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, despite resistance from Kyiv. The bloc previously extended its individual penalties on Russia through 2029 while removing Usmanov and Fridman from the blacklist. In response to the EU delisting, Ukraine is preparing new sanctions targeting more than 20 Russian oligarchs and is actively working to reinstate Usmanov and Fridman on international restriction lists. Although dropped by Brussels, both billionaires continue to face penalties under UK and SDN sanctions frameworks.
Why it matters
The removal of Usmanov and Fridman marks the first time major Russian figures have successfully exited the EU red list after four and a half years of blanket penalties. This divergence between Brussels and Kyiv highlights tensions over enforcement consistency regarding Russian wealth. While Western allies maintain separate enforcement lists, Ukraine views the EU decision as a setback in maintaining unified economic pressure.
What is confirmed
- The European Union confirmed it will not reimpose sanctions against Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
- Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman will not return to the EU sanctions list anytime soon.
- Ukraine is working to reinstate Usmanov and Fridman on sanctions lists.
Still unconfirmed
- Ukraine is preparing sanctions against more than 20 Russian oligarchs in response to the EU decision.
What to watch next
- Official announcement of new Ukrainian sanctions targeting more than 20 Russian oligarchs.
- Any formal diplomatic communications between Kyiv and Brussels regarding the delisting of Usmanov and Fridman.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- newsukraine.rbc.ua — Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs counters EU’s removal ...
- www.bgnes.com — Kyiv responds to EU delisting of two oligarchs with new ...
- newsukraine.rbc.ua — EU says sanctions against Russia's oligarchs Usmanov and ...
- wisevoter.com — European Union Has Ruled Out New Usmanov Sanctions
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EU Extends Russia Sanctions and Drops Usmanov and Fridman
The European Union has extended its individual sanctions on Russia for another three years, pushing the timeline to 2029. Alongside this extension, the bloc dropped Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its blacklist. After four and a half years of nearly all Russian billionaires remaining under penalties, Usmanov and Fridman are the first major figures to successfully remove themselves from the red list. Despite their removal by the European Union, both men remain on the UK list and the SDN list.
Why it matters
Ambassadors previously failed to renew nearly 3,000 individual Russia sanctions listings by their normal six-month deadline, requiring a seven-day technical extension to midnight on September 22 to prevent the file from lapsing. France pushed for the delistings under pressure from Azerbaijan and joined Slovakia in demanding the removal of Alisher Usmanov. This compromise allowed the bloc to secure the broader sanctions renewal while granting exemptions to the two billionaires.
What is confirmed
- The European Union preserved nearly all of its individual sanctions on Russia for another three years, extending them to 2029.
- Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman were dropped from the European Union blacklist, becoming the first major figures to successfully remove themselves after four and a half years.
- Usmanov and Fridman remain on the SDN and UK lists.
Still unconfirmed
- Other Russian oligarchs are examining how Usmanov and Fridman managed to exit the EU blacklist to find a roadmap out of sanctions.
- France pushed for the delistings under pressure from Azerbaijan, using exemptions as a diplomatic bargain to extend individual restrictions.
What to watch next
- Decisions by the UK and US SDN authorities on whether to follow the EU in lifting sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman.
- Actions by other Russian oligarchs attempting to use legal pressure or political leverage to exit the EU blacklist.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- adalytica.com — EU keeps Russia sanctions, drops Usmanov and Fridman
- en.thebell.io — Sanctions lifted from oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman - The Bell
- www.euinsider.eu — EU delists Usmanov and Fridman, extends Russia sanctions to 2029
- united24media.com — How Russian Oligarchs Are Finding a Way Out of EU Sanctions ...
- fesenkolaw.com — Usmanov and Fridman: EU Sanctions Delisting Leaves the SDN ...
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Lithuania Bans Usmanov and Fridman After EU Drops Sanctions
Lithuania imposed a five-year entry ban on Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman on September 25, just three days after the European Union lifted its asset freezes and travel bans on the two men. France pushed for the delistings under pressure from Azerbaijan, using the exemptions as a diplomatic bargain to extend the bloc's remaining individual restrictions for another three years. Other Russian oligarchs are now examining how the two billionaires managed to exit the EU blacklist.
Why it matters
The European Union renewed its sanctions framework against Russia while trading away restrictions on two prominent figures to secure a longer policy horizon through 2029. This trade-off revealed divisions within the bloc over national interests and collective economic policy, drawing criticism from Ukraine and Latvia alongside demands for explanation directed at France. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan pardoned a jailed French national for espionage one day after the oligarch sanctions were lifted.
What is confirmed
- Lithuania barred Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman for five years on September 25.
- The EU lifted asset freezes and travel bans on Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman after France pushed for the delisting.
- France backed lifting EU sanctions on Alisher Usmanov in exchange for extending remaining individual restrictions for three years.
- France pushed for the delisting citing pressure from Azerbaijan.
What to watch next
- Whether other EU member states follow Lithuania in imposing national entry bans on Usmanov and Fridman
- Further diplomatic fallout between EU member states over the concessions made to secure the sanctions extension
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- ceoworld.biz — What the Usmanov and Fridman Delistings Mean for Business and Investors
- www.billionaires.africa — Lithuania bans two Russian billionaires the EU just set free
- newsukraine.rbc.ua — Usmanov, Fridman off sanctions list, other Russian ...
- newsukraine.rbc.ua — Russia's billionaire Usmanov escapes EU sanctions, France ...
- uk.headtopics.com — EU Removes Sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman After French ...
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EU Renews Russia Sanctions and Drops Usmanov and Fridman
The European Union has renewed its sanctions framework against Russia for three years, preserving restrictions on nearly 3,000 entities. However, the bloc controversially removed Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the blacklist as part of a diplomatic compromise. The decision faced opposition from Ukraine and Latvia, with Estonia demanding explanations from France regarding its push for the exemptions. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan pardoned a jailed French national for espionage just one day after the sanctions on the Russian oligarchs were lifted.
Why it matters
The renewal avoids a total lapse of restrictions against Russian targets accused of supporting the war in Ukraine. Latvia registered its objections by abstaining to save the broader regime while simultaneously imposing national sanctions on both men. The timing of the delistings drew sharp international scrutiny and regional friction.
What is confirmed
- The European Union renewed its sanctions against Russia for three years while removing billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its blacklist.
- France and Luxembourg pushed for the exemption of the two Russian billionaires.
- Latvia objected that the delistings weakened pressure on Moscow, ultimately abstaining to save the broader regime while imposing national sanctions on both men.
- Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev pardoned a French national imprisoned for espionage a day after the EU lifted sanctions on the Russian oligarchs.
- Estonia's foreign minister said France should explain itself after pushing for the lifting of EU sanctions on Alisher Usmanov.
Still unconfirmed
- France and Luxembourg reportedly pushed for the exemption of Usmanov and Fridman during the negotiations.
What to watch next
- Whether other EU member states follow Latvia's lead in imposing national sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman.
- Further diplomatic fallout or explanations from France regarding its push to lift sanctions on Usmanov.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (9)
- www.theguardian.com — EU deadlocked on changes to Russia sanctions ahead of key Ukraine, Greenland talks - Europe live
- www.france24.com — Azerbaijan pardons jailed Frenchman after EU lifts sanctions on Russian billionaire
- news.err.ee — Minister: France must explain lifting sanctions on Russian ...
- meduza.io — The EU lifted sanctions on Russian billionaires Alisher ...
- www.straitstimes.com — Estonia says France must explain push to lift EU sanctions on Usmanov
- www.yahoo.com — A survivor tells of suspicious deaths in Nigerian detention
- sg.news.yahoo.com — Canada is giving C$100 million in international aid for Palestine, says Carney
- www.globalbankingandfinance.com — EU Renews Russia Sanctions, Removes Usmanov and Fridman from List
- wttlonline.com — EU Renews Russia Sanctions for Three Years, Delists Usmanov ...
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EU renews Russia sanctions, drops billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
The European Union has renewed its sanctions against Russia, but removed billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its blacklist. The decision was made despite opposition from Ukraine and Latvia, with France and Luxembourg reportedly pushing for the exemption. The sanctions on around 3,000 individuals and entities have been extended for three years.
Why it matters
The EU's decision to renew sanctions against Russia comes as the conflict continues, with Ukraine expressing anger over the removal of the oligarchs. The move highlights internal divisions within the EU, with some member states pushing for a tougher stance on Russia. The sanctions were set to expire, and the EU risked seeing them lapse if an agreement wasn't reached.
What is confirmed
- EU envoys agreed to drop Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the EU's Russian sanctions list.
- The EU renewed sanctions against 3,000 Russian individuals and entities for three years.
- France and Luxembourg reportedly pushed for the exemption of Usmanov and Fridman from the sanctions list.
- Ukraine expressed anger over the removal of Usmanov and Fridman from the sanctions list.
Still unconfirmed
- Latvia's Prime Minister opposed the move to remove Usmanov and Fridman from the sanctions list.
What to watch next
- Reaction from Ukraine and Latvia on the EU's decision
- Impact of the sanctions removal on Russia's economy and politics
- Next review of EU sanctions against Russia
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (9)
- www.yahoo.com — EU renews Russia sanctions, drops Russian billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
- www.thestar.com.my — EU renews Russia sanctions, drops Russian billionaires Usmanov and Fridman | The Star
- www.straitstimes.com — EU renews Russia sanctions, drops Russian billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
- www.euronews.com — Zelenskyy calls on EU countries to keep Usmanov and Fridman on sanctions list
- www.courthousenews.com — EU renews Russia sanctions but grudgingly drops 2 oligarchs from list | Courthouse News Service
- united24media.com — EU Drops Usmanov and Fridman From Sanctions List Amid Reported Pressure From France and Luxembourg — UN....
- tribune.com.pk — EU renews Russia sanctions - The Express Tribune
- www.yahoo.com — EU to lift sanctions against Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman
- finance.yahoo.com — EU to Exempt Two Russian Tycoons in Sanctions Renewal Deal
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EU renews Russia sanctions but removes billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
The European Union has renewed its sanctions against Russia but removed billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Petr Fridman from its blacklist. The decision follows internal disputes, with France reportedly pushing to spare Usmanov and the Latvian Prime Minister opposing the move. Ukraine has expressed anger over the removal of the oligarchs. The action took place as a deadline for the sanctions renewal approached, despite warnings from Latvia that selective sanctions normalize Russia's position.
Why it matters
EU sanctions serve as a primary diplomatic and economic tool to pressure Russia into ending its aggression. Removing high-profile individuals from these lists can signal a weakening of unity among member states. The dispute highlights the tension between national interests and collective EU foreign policy.
What is confirmed
- The EU renewed sanctions against Russia.
- Billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Petr Fridman were removed from the EU sanctions list.
- Ukraine expressed anger over the removal of the Russian oligarchs.
Still unconfirmed
- France blocked EU sanctions to spare oligarch Alisher Usmanov.
- The Latvian Prime Minister opposed the deal to lift sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman.
- Latvia blocked a deal to renew the EU Russia blacklist.
- The Latvian Prime Minister warned that cherry-picking sanctions normalizes Russia.
What to watch next
- Official EU documentation detailing the legal justification for removing Usmanov and Fridman
- Further diplomatic responses from the Ukrainian government regarding EU unity
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (9)
- France 24 — Live: Russia says it hit Ukrainian cargo vessels, Izmail port and logistics centre
- euractiv.com — Latvia blocks deal to renew EU’s Russia blacklist
- Reuters — Latvian PM opposes deal to lift sanctions on Russia-linked billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
- The Washington Post — France blocks E.U. sanctions on Russia in push to spare oligarch Usmanov
- Reuters — EU renews Russia sanctions, drops Russian billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
- Financial Times — EU to lift sanctions on two Russian oligarchs
- The Guardian — EU removes oligarchs from Russia sanctions list as deadline looms
- BBC — Ukraine anger as EU removes Russian oligarchs from sanctions list
- Euronews.com — 'Cherry-picking sanctions' normalises Russia, Latvian PM warns
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