Latvia blocked an EU compromise on sanctions against Russian oligarchs
Latvia blocked a proposed compromise on extending the European Union’s targeted sanctions against Russia, which would have removed Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the sanctions list.
Now, EU countries must urgently agree on a new proposal, as the current restrictions targeting nearly 3,000 individuals and entities are set to expire on September 22.
Negotiations among EU ambassadors were set to resume on September 22 at 8:00 a.m. in an effort to reach an agreement before the sanctions expire at midnight. Unanimous support from all 27 EU member states is required to extend the restrictions.
The dispute escalated after France advocated for the removal of Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list. Paris explained its position on the grounds of “national security.”
According to diplomats, the French demand may be linked to a possible prisoner exchange involving two French citizens, one of whom is being held in Azerbaijan, where he is accused of espionage. At the same time, the Azerbaijani side denied certain claims regarding the reasons behind France’s approach.
Following this, Slovakia began insisting on the removal of Mikhail Friedman from the sanctions list. Both businessmen have been subject to EU sanctions since 2022.
The proposed compromise called for Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Friedman to be removed from the list, while the general regime of personal sanctions would be extended not for six months, as previously planned, but for three years.
However, Latvia did not agree to the proposed option, causing the negotiations to reach an impasse.
This refers to the EU’s extensive sanctions list, which includes nearly 3,000 individuals and entities linked to Russia and its aggression against Ukraine.
In March 2026, the Council of the EU extended the relevant targeted sanctions against approximately 2,600 individuals and organizations until September 15. After that, member states agreed to an additional week for negotiations on the next extension.
Under current rules, targeted sanctions include, in particular, a ban on entry into and transit through the EU, an asset freeze, and a prohibition on providing funds or economic resources to sanctioned individuals and entities.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga had previously criticized the possibility of removing Usmanov and Friedman from the EU sanctions list.
“What has changed? Nothing. Removing them from the list is unacceptable and would send the wrong signal to Moscow at a time when pressure needs to be stepped up,” Sibiga said.
According to diplomats, some EU countries also fear that removing certain Russian oligarchs could set a precedent for the future lifting of personal sanctions under political pressure.
One of Euractiv’s sources stated that such a practice could create the impression that it is possible to be removed from the sanctions list through political pressure. Another diplomat warned of the risk that the national interests of individual states could begin to take precedence over the EU’s common sanctions policy.
EU countries have continued consultations on extending sanctions against Russia, and ambassadors are expected to conclude negotiations by the end of September 22. The main challenge remains the need to secure unanimous support from all 27 member states.
Separately, discussions are underway regarding whether Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman will remain under sanctions, and for how long the restrictions on other individuals on the list may be extended.
The EU must reach a decision before the sanctions’ current deadline expires; otherwise, there is a risk that restrictions on a significant number of individuals and organizations linked to Russia could be lifted.
Euractiv reports this, citing diplomatic sources.
France is likely attempting to link the removal of Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list to the release of French citizens being held by Azerbaijan.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to name the international partners who raised the issue of removing Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list, nor did it explain the details of the “national security” motives.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga called on the European Union not to ease sanctions pressure on Russia and not to remove Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Friedman from the sanctions lists.
