EU Removes Russian Billionaires Usmanov and Fridman from Sanctions List

EU removes Russian billionaires Usmanov and Fridman from sanctions, extends restrictions for 36 months. Key details revealed.

Editorial Desk

September 22, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Brussels, EU — The European Union has finalized a controversial agreement to remove two high-profile Russian oligarchs, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from its sanctions list, while extending individual measures against Russia for an unprecedented 36 months.

The decision came after intense negotiations involving multiple member states, with France linking Usmanov’s removal to a prisoner exchange with Azerbaijan. Slovakia also played a key role in Fridman’s delisting, leading to a compromise that ultimately secured unanimous approval from the bloc.

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The move has sparked strong reactions from Kyiv, which criticized the EU for easing pressure on Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for continued sanctions, emphasizing the need for unity and unconditional support for Ukraine. Despite these concerns, diplomats said maintaining the broader sanctions regime was essential to avoid future disruptions.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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