EU to lift sanctions on Russia-linked Usmanov and Fridman, diplomats say

Live updates

1. 5h ago

   Switzerland Lifts Sanctions on Russian Billionaires

   Switzerland has removed Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions lists following a similar move by the European Union. The Swiss Federal Council confirmed the decision on Wednesday, adopting the restrictive measures set out in the EU's 21st package of sanctions against Russia while simultaneously lifting restrictions on the two businessmen. In Europe, Usmanov and Fridman now face restrictions only in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, internal resistance within the EU remains apparent, as some member states maintain their own national measures or previously voiced opposition to removing the billionaires.

   Why it matters

   The Swiss decision mirrors actions taken by Brussels as European nations adjust their restrictive measures against Russian figures tied to the Kremlin. While Bern and the broader EU have lifted asset freezes and travel bans on high-profile businessmen, political fractures persist among member states regarding the enforcement of these penalties. Lithuania continues to enforce its own asset freezes independently, and Latvia previously opposed dropping the billionaires from the sanctions list.

   What is confirmed

   • Switzerland has removed Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions lists.
   • The Swiss Federal Council announced the adoption of the European Union's 21st package of sanctions on Wednesday.
   • In Europe, Usmanov and Fridman currently face restrictions only in the United Kingdom.

   What to watch next

   • Further alignment or divergence by individual EU member states regarding national sanctions.
   • Potential updates from the United Kingdom on whether it will follow the EU and Swiss lead on Usmanov and Fridman.
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. eutoday.net — Switzerland Lifts Sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman After EU Deal
   2. www.europesays.com — Switzerland follows EU in lifting sanctions on billionaires ...
   3. news.az — Switzerland removes Russian businessmen Usmanov, Fridman from ...
   4. www.nampa.org — UPDATE - Switzerland Joined EU's Latest Package of Sanctions ...
   5. www.corriere.it — Sanzioni alla Russia, anche la Svizzera (dopo l'Ue) toglie ...
   confidence 100%
2. 2d ago

   Switzerland lifts sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman following EU move

   Switzerland has removed sanctions against Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, aligning with a previous European Union decision. Data from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs confirms the restrictions no longer apply to these individuals or Andrey Falaleyev, the former rector of Crimean Federal University. While the EU lifted asset freezes and travel bans on September 22, 2026, national resistance persists within the bloc. Lithuania continues to maintain its own asset freezes, and Latvia previously signaled opposition to the EU's decision to remove the billionaires from the list.

   Why it matters

   The removal of these sanctions follows a German Federal Court of Justice ruling that allows Usmanov to sue the EU Council. These legal challenges contest the lawfulness of the original restrictions. The divergence between EU-level decisions and national actions in the Baltics highlights internal friction over Russia policy.

   What is confirmed

   • Switzerland lifted sanctions against Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
   • The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs listed Andrey Falaleyev, former rector of Crimean Federal University, as no longer subject to restrictions.
   • The European Union removed Usmanov and Fridman from its sanctions list on September 22, 2026.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Latvia blocked the EU decision to lift sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman.

   What to watch next

   • The outcome of Alisher Usmanov's lawsuit against the EU Council
   • Whether Lithuania lifts its national asset freezes
   • Further Swiss or EU adjustments to the sanctions list regarding Russian officials
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. tass.com — Switzerland follows EU in lifting sanctions on Usmanov, Fridman
   2. ground.news — Switzerland, following the EU, lifted sanctions against ...
   3. bb.lv — Латвия заблокировала решение ЕС о снятии санкций с российских ...
   confidence 90%
3. 5d ago

   German Court Clears Legal Path For Usmanov Lawsuit Against EU

   Germany's Federal Court of Justice has ruled that the president of the Hamburg Regional Court acted unlawfully by refusing to serve legal documents in a case connected to Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov. This ruling clears the way for Usmanov to pursue a lawsuit against the EU Council over sanctions. The European Union previously removed Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list on September 22, 2026. While the bloc lifted asset-freeze and travel-ban measures against both men, Lithuania has maintained national asset freezes to avoid sending the wrong signal.

   Why it matters

   Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman secured their delisting from European Union sanctions through political bargaining rather than court victories following years of legal battles. Luxembourg's prime minister defended the push to delist Fridman during parliamentary proceedings. Meanwhile, Lithuania maintains independent restrictions against both individuals until the end of 2027.

   What is confirmed

   • Germany's Federal Court of Justice ruled that the president of the Hamburg Regional Court acted unlawfully by refusing to serve legal documents.
   • The European Union lifted asset-freeze and travel-ban measures against Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman on September 22, 2026.
   • Lithuania maintains national asset freezes against Usmanov and Fridman that will remain active until the end of 2027.
   • Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys stated that lifting restrictions would send the wrong signal.
   • Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman secured delisting from the EU list through political bargaining after years of legal battles.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Luxembourg's prime minister defended the government push to delist Fridman during parliamentary proceedings.

   What to watch next

   • Progress and court filings in Alisher Usmanov's lawsuit against the EU Council in Germany.
   • Potential changes or extensions to Lithuania's independent national asset freezes against Usmanov and Fridman ahead of the end of 2027.
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. globalsanctions.com — Global Sanctions News
   2. finance.ec.europa.eu — Consolidated version - Finance - European Commission
   3. help.naver.com — Futures Flat As Oil Rebounds After Trump's "Energy Ceasefire" Unravels, Memory Stocks Slide | ZeroHedge
   4. sanctions-finder.com — Alisher Burkhanovich USMANOV | Sanctions Finder
   5. sanctions-finder.com — Alisher Burhanovich USMANOV - Sanctions Finder
   6. www.legal500.com — EU Russia Sanctions Update: Steel Restrictions Take Effect ...
   7. eutoday.net — Europe Keeps Tightening Sanctions on Russia. But What Happens ...
   8. www.theparliamentmagazine.eu — Russian billionaires evade EU sanctions through political ...
   9. nardelloandco.com — Sanctions De-listing Mechanisms in the US, UK, and EU
   10. www.youtube.com — ЕС продлил санкции против России, но по просьбе Франции ...
   11. daryo.uz — German court clears way for Usmanov’s lawsuit against EU ...
   confidence 95%
4. 16d ago

   EU lifted sanctions on Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman in September 2026

   The European Union removed Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list in September 2026. While the bloc reached this agreement, Lithuania has maintained national asset freezes against both men to avoid sending what Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys called the wrong signal. Lithuania's independent restrictions will remain active until the end of 2027. Luxembourg's prime minister has defended the government's push to delist Fridman during parliamentary proceedings.

   Why it matters

   The EU move comes as Russia faces 1 trillion euros in losses from sanctions. This internal disagreement between the bloc and member states like Lithuania highlights tensions over the effectiveness of sanctions pressure.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Union lifted sanctions from Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman in September 2026.
   • Lithuania implemented national asset freezes against Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
   • Lithuanian national restrictions on the two oligarchs will stay in effect until the end of 2027.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Luxembourg's government pushed for the delisting of Mikhail Fridman.
   • Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys described the EU action as the wrong signal.

   What to watch next

   • Further parliamentary debates in Luxembourg regarding the delisting process
   • Potential adjustments to Lithuanian national asset freezes before 2027
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.politico.eu — Russia sanctions - POLITICO
   2. www.jbanc.org — EU Sanctions on Russia: A Controversial Compromise
   3. www.europesays.com — Sanctions Without Incentives – Riddle Russia - Europe
   4. www.europesays.com — Luxembourg's excuse for de-listing Russian oligarch Mikhail ...
   5. www.brusselstimes.com — EU condemns US waiver of Russia sanctions, warns of weakened ...
   confidence 90%
5. 19d ago

   Lithuania freezes assets of Usmanov and Fridman following EU delisting

   Lithuania has implemented national asset freezes against Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. The move follows the European Union's decision to remove both men from its sanctions list. Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys described the EU's action as the wrong signal. These national restrictions will remain in effect until the end of 2027. Lithuania acted independently to maintain sanctions on the two oligarchs despite the bloc's broader agreement to lift their specific restrictions.

   Why it matters

   The EU recently extended personal sanctions for nearly 3,000 Russia-linked targets for 36 months. Removing Usmanov and Fridman from the list was a required condition to secure this three-year extension for the other targets.

   What is confirmed

   • Lithuania froze the assets of Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov under a national sanctions regime.
   • The EU removed Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list.
   • Lithuanian sanctions against the two men will remain in effect until the end of 2027.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys called the EU delisting the wrong signal.
   • The EU removed the men from the list three weeks before Lithuania froze their assets.

   What to watch next

   • Other EU member states implementing national freezes on Usmanov and Fridman
   • Legal challenges from Usmanov or Fridman against Lithuanian national sanctions
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. eur-lex.europa.eu — EU law - EUR-Lex
   2. hromadske.ua — Lithuania freezes assets of Russian billionaires Fridman and ...
   3. www.lrt.lt — Lithuania imposes national asset freezes on Russian ...
   4. en.h.ua — Lithuania freezes Fridman and Usmanov assets after EU ...
   5. sanctionslists.org — Lithuania Freezes Assets of Usmanov and Fridman After EU ...
   6. www.billionaires.africa — Russian billionaires Usmanov, Fridman face Lithuania freeze
   7. businesselitesafrica.com — Lithuania Freezes Usmanov, Fridman Assets After EU Lift
   8. news.inbox.lv — In Defiance of the EU - The Lithuanian Cabinet Freezes the ...
   confidence 90%
6. 25d ago

   EU Lifts Sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman for Extension Deal

   The European Union has extended its personal sanctions against individuals backing the war against Ukraine for 36 months, marking the longest renewal period to date. To secure this three-year extension of restrictive measures affecting nearly 3,000 Russia-linked targets, the bloc removed Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list. The delisting of Usmanov and Fridman was a required condition for reaching the broader sanctions agreement.

   Why it matters

   The decision to drop two prominent oligarchs while prolonging penalties for thousands of other entities highlights the complex diplomatic compromises required within the bloc. The move follows prior reporting that the delisting drew criticism from Russian dissidents and member states, prompting Lithuania to independently impose a five-year entry ban on both men.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Union extended personal sanctions against those backing the war against Ukraine for 36 months.
   • The 36-month renewal represents the longest such extension of these measures by the EU.
   • Reaching the sanctions renewal deal required the delisting of Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation and impact of the proposed 22nd package of EU sanctions
   • Further national independent bans or restrictions against Usmanov and Fridman outside of EU measures
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. en.h.ua — EU extends Russia sanctions three years but drops two ...
   2. www.mcdermottlaw.com — EU Russia Sanctions Update: Steel, Delistings & 22nd Package
   confidence 100%
7. 29d ago

   EU to lift sanctions on Russia-linked Usmanov and Fridman

   The European Union has removed Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list, a move criticized by Russian dissidents and some EU nations. This decision was made in exchange for extending restrictive measures against nearly 3,000 other Russia-linked individuals and entities for three years. Lithuania, however, has independently barred both men for five years.

   Why it matters

   The EU's decision to lift sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman comes amid ongoing efforts to navigate its response to Russia's actions. The bloc has maintained a significant sanctions regime against Russia, aiming to pressure the Kremlin while managing internal divisions. This move has sparked debate about the effectiveness and consistency of the EU's approach.

   What is confirmed

   • The EU removed Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list.
   • Lithuania has independently barred both Usmanov and Fridman for five years.
   • The EU extended restrictive measures against nearly 3,000 other Russia-linked individuals and entities for three years.
   • The EU has no plans to reinstate sanctions against Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman in the near future.

   What to watch next

   • Decisions on potential new sanctions listings against Russian individuals and entities
   • Reactions from other EU nations and Russian dissidents
   • Implementation of existing sanctions and their impact on Russia
   Sources used for this update (15)

   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
   6. factsinstitute.com — EU Countries: All 27 European Union Member States
   7. de.wikipedia.org — Europäische Union – Wikipedia
   8. newsukraine.rbc.ua — EU says sanctions against Russia's oligarchs Usmanov and ...
   9. www.yahoo.com — EU has no plans to reinstate sanctions against Russian ...
   10. www.eurointegration.com.ua — Kallas says EU has no plans to reinstate sanctions against ...
   11. wisevoter.com — European Union Has Ruled Out New Usmanov Sanctions
   12. www.arabnews.com — Arab News | Kremlin critics say sanctions relief for Moscow ...
   confidence 100%
8. 33d ago

   EU delists billionaires Usmanov and Fridman while extending other Russia sanctions

   EU member states agreed on September 22 to remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the sanctions blacklist. In exchange for delisting these two billionaires, the bloc extended restrictive measures against nearly 3,000 other Russia-linked individuals and entities for three years, pushing the horizon to 2029. This compromise resolved a deadlock that had left the sanctions regime running on a technical extension. While the EU lifted travel bans and asset freezes, Lithuania independently barred both men for five years on September 25. US and UK sanctions lists remain unchanged.

   Why it matters

   The delistings mark the first time major Russian figures have been removed from the EU red list after four and a half years. The decision highlights how national interests and political leverage can reshape collective economic policy within the bloc.

   What is confirmed

   • EU countries agreed to remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the sanctions list on September 22.
   • The EU extended sanctions on nearly 3,000 other Russia-linked targets for three years until 2029.
   • Lithuania barred Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman for five years on September 25.
   • The US SDN and UK sanctions lists were not updated to reflect the EU changes.
   • The EU lifted asset freezes and travel bans for Usmanov and Fridman.

   Still unconfirmed

   • France pushed for the delisting of Alisher Usmanov due to pressure from Azerbaijan.
   • France and Slovakia demanded the delisting of Alisher Usmanov citing national security interests.

   What to watch next

   • Potential EU decisions regarding the lifting of potash sanctions on Belarus.
   • Legal or political efforts by other sanctioned Russian oligarchs to use this delisting as a roadmap.
   Sources used for this update (11)

   1. ceoworld.biz — What the Usmanov and Fridman Delistings Mean for Business and Investors
   2. meduza.io — The EU lifted sanctions on Russian billionaires Alisher ...
   3. www.rferl.org — Wider Europe Briefing: Will The EU Soon Lift Potash Sanctions On Belarus?
   4. adalytica.com — EU keeps Russia sanctions, drops Usmanov and Fridman
   5. www.billionaires.africa — Lithuania bans two Russian billionaires the EU just set free
   6. newsukraine.rbc.ua — Russia's billionaire Usmanov escapes EU sanctions, France ...
   7. en.thebell.io — Sanctions lifted from oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman - The Bell
   8. uk.headtopics.com — EU Removes Sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman After French ...
   9. www.euinsider.eu — EU delists Usmanov and Fridman, extends Russia sanctions to 2029
   10. united24media.com — How Russian Oligarchs Are Finding a Way Out of EU Sanctions ...
   11. fesenkolaw.com — Usmanov and Fridman: EU Sanctions Delisting Leaves the SDN ...
   confidence 90%
9. 39d ago

   EU Removes Usmanov and Fridman From Sanctions List

   The European Union has agreed to remove billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions blacklist while extending broader restrictive measures against nearly 3,000 other Russia-linked individuals and entities for three years. Ireland, holding the EU presidency, described the decision as a difficult compromise for the bloc. The delisting of the two oligarchs contrasts with the multi-year renewal of penalties on thousands of other targets as the European Union approaches its sanctions renewal deadline.

   Why it matters

   The removal of Usmanov and Fridman resolves a tense diplomatic deadlock over the bloc's sanctions regime against Russia. Securing the three-year extension for the remaining thousands of listed targets required accepting the delisting of the two high-profile oligarchs. The compromise highlights internal divisions among member states regarding the enforcement and scope of wartime financial penalties.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Union removed Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list.
   • The agreement extends sanctions on nearly 3,000 other Russia-linked individuals and entities for three years.
   • Ireland's EU presidency described the outcome as a difficult compromise.

   What to watch next

   • Official publication of the updated EU sanctions list in the Official Journal
   • Formal reactions from Ukrainian authorities and opposing EU member states regarding the final implementation of the deal
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. daryo.uz — EU delists Alisher Usmanov, Mikhail Fridman as it extends ...
   2. www.theguardian.com — EU removes two oligarchs from Russia sanctions list as deadline looms | European Union
   confidence 100%
10. 41d ago

    EU Delists Usmanov and Fridman in Sanctions Renewal Deal

    The European Union has dropped billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its blacklist while renewing sanctions on approximately 3,000 other individuals and businesses for three years. The compromise emerged after France and Luxembourg reportedly pushed for the removal of the two men for domestic reasons. Ukraine slammed the agreement as shameful, arguing the bloc should ramp up pressure on Moscow instead of delisting Russia-linked individuals. Latvian leadership also opposed the trade-off during negotiations. The deal secures the continuation of broader wartime restrictive measures against Russia.

    Why it matters

    The European Union applies broad restrictive measures against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, requiring periodic unanimous renewals. Internal pressure from individual member states can jeopardize these extensions, forcing compromises to maintain broad economic penalties. Delisting high-profile oligarchs weakens the unified punitive front against Moscow, sparking fierce criticism from eastern member states and Kyiv.

    What is confirmed

    • The European Union delisted Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman while renewing sanctions on about 3,000 others for three years.
    • Ukraine called the sanctions renewal deal shameful.
    • France and Luxembourg each pushed for one of the men to be removed from the bloc's sanctions list for domestic reasons.
    • Latvia stated it could not accept the proposed deal to lift sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman in return for keeping other individuals and businesses sanctioned.

    What to watch next

    • Further official statements from Kyiv regarding the finalized sanctions renewal
    • Implementation details of the three-year extension for the remaining 3,000 sanctioned individuals and entities
    Sources used for this update (8)

    1. www.hngn.com — EU Drops Usmanov, Fridman From Sanctions List in Renewal Deal
    2. www.yahoo.com — EU to lift sanctions on Russia-linked Usmanov and Fridman, diplomats say
    3. www.internazionale.it — EU poised to lift sanctions on Russia-linked billionaires Usmanov and Fridman, diplomats say - Internazio....
    4. www.straitstimes.com — EU to lift sanctions on Russia-linked Usmanov and Fridman, diplomats say
    5. www.hindustantimes.com — EU poised to lift sanctions on Russia-linked billionaires Usmanov and Fridman, diplomats say
    6. www.dailymaverick.co.za — Latvian PM opposes deal to lift sanctions on Russia-linked billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
    7. www.straitstimes.com — Latvian PM opposes deal to lift sanctions on Russia-linked billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
    8. www.thestar.com.my — EU to lift sanctions on Russia-linked Usmanov and Fridman, diplomats say
    confidence 90%
11. 45d ago

    EU to remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from sanctions list

    The European Union reached a compromise deal on Tuesday to prolong sanctions against Russia while removing oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its blacklist. Diplomats indicate the move was necessary to prevent existing sanctions against Russia from lapsing entirely. The decision has sparked anger in Kyiv, where officials argue the bloc should increase pressure on Moscow rather than delisting Russia-linked individuals.

    Why it matters

    France had previously requested the delisting of Usmanov, leading to a period of deadlock among EU envoys. This internal split threatened the renewal of broader sanctions packages.

    What is confirmed

    • The EU will lift sanctions on Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
    • EU countries agreed to a compromise deal on Tuesday to prolong sanctions on Russia.
    • Kyiv expressed anger over the removal of the two oligarchs from the blacklist.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The agreement to remove the oligarchs is described as a shameful compromise.

    What to watch next

    • Official publication of the updated EU sanctions list
    • Further reactions or diplomatic protests from the Ukrainian government
    Sources used for this update (8)

    1. France 24 — Live: Russia says it hit Ukrainian cargo vessels, Izmail port and logistics centre
    2. Euronews.com — EU nears deal to break impasse over French request to delist Usmanov
    3. politico.eu — EU deadlocked over France’s bid to take Russian tycoon off sanctions list
    4. Kyiv Post — Putin Sanctions Hang in Balance as EU Envoys Split
    5. Reuters — EU to lift sanctions on Russia-linked Usmanov and Fridman, diplomats say
    6. www.straitstimes.com — EU agrees to lift sanctions on Russian oligarchs in ‘shameful’ compromise deal
    7. www.france24.com — EU resumes talks on lifting sanctions on two Russian oligarchs as deadline looms
    8. www.abc.net.au — EU to lift sanctions on Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, prompting anger in Kyiv
    confidence 90%