The European Union has extended its sanctions against Russia, targeting over 3,000 individuals and entities linked to threats against Ukraine’s territorial integrity, while notably removing Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the list. The EU Council’s decision on September 22 extends these measures for another six years, until September 22, 2029.
The sanctions, which originally followed Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, include asset freezes, travel restrictions, and a prohibition on making funds available to listed persons and organizations. The removal of Usmanov and Fridman from the sanctions list occurred during the most recent review of the policy.
Ukraine has expressed dissatisfaction with the EU’s decision to delist the two businessmen. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha criticized the move as unacceptable, arguing that the conditions justifying their initial inclusion have not changed.
The EU’s decision to extend the sanctions for a longer period is aimed at providing greater stability to its sanctions policy, which had previously been renewed for shorter durations. Despite the removal of Usmanov and Fridman, the EU remains committed to maintaining comprehensive individual and economic restrictions against Russia in response to its ongoing conflict in Ukraine.