The European Union has lifted sanctions on Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov as part of a deal to extend broader sanctions against thousands of other Russian individuals and entities.
Key facts
- •The EU removed sanctions from Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov on September 22.
- •The decision was a condition for securing a three-year extension of sanctions against 3,000 other entities.
- •France sought Usmanov's removal as part of a prisoner release deal with Azerbaijan.
- •Mikhail Fridman had filed a $16 billion claim against Luxembourg over his frozen assets.
- •U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed the U.K. will not lift its own sanctions on the two men.
The Council of the European Union removed Russian billionaires Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov from its sanctions list on September 22. The decision followed a diplomatic impasse that nearly caused the expiration of sanctions against approximately 3,000 other individuals and entities. To secure a three-year extension for the remaining sanctions, which require unanimous approval from all 27 member states, the EU agreed to delist the two businessmen.
By the numbers
Diplomatic Negotiations and Motivations
The delisting process was driven by complex geopolitical negotiations. France reportedly advocated for Alisher Usmanov’s removal as part of an agreement with Azerbaijan to secure the release of two French prisoners. Luxembourg also pushed for Mikhail Fridman’s removal, a move linked to a $16 billion claim Fridman filed against the country’s authorities in 2024 regarding frozen assets. Bloomberg reported that Usmanov’s removal was further supported by his close ties to the leaders of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Latvia reportedly opposed the delisting until the final stages, describing the situation as unprecedented. Meanwhile, the U.K. has signaled it will not follow the EU's lead. U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham informed President Volodymyr Zelensky that the U.K. would maintain its sanctions against the oligarchs to keep pressure on Russia.
Impact on Sanctions Policy
The EU sanctions list, which includes travel restrictions and asset freezes, had previously been subject to renewal every six months. The process faced a critical deadline when the list was set to expire on September 15. Member states initially extended the list by only one week to resolve internal divisions, specifically regarding the pressure from France and Slovakia to delist Usmanov and Fridman. The final agreement ensures the broader sanctions regime remains in place for three years.
Timeline
- September 14–15The EU sanctions list was set to expire, leading to a one-week temporary extension.
- September 22The Council of the European Union officially removed Usmanov and Fridman from the sanctions list.
- September 23Reports confirmed the U.K. will not follow the EU in lifting sanctions on the two oligarchs.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Meduza (English), Kyiv Independent.
