EU moves to lift sanctions on two Russian businessmen

On September 21, 2026, European Union diplomats reached a preliminary agreement to remove Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the bloc's sanctions list. This move is part of a broader package to extend sanctions against thousands of other Russian individuals and entities for a three-year period, significantly longer than the typical six or 12-month renewals. The decision remains pending final confirmation, as any EU member state can still lodge an objection within the coming hours.

France initiated the push to remove Usmanov, citing national security concerns. According to reports from the Financial Times and European diplomats, Paris was pressured by Azerbaijan, which is currently detaining French citizens, to secure the removal of the billionaire. Following this, Luxembourg requested the removal of Fridman. The proposal has faced strong criticism from Ukraine, with Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha calling it unacceptable and arguing it sends the wrong signal to Moscow while pressure on the Kremlin should be intensifying.

The Ukrainian government maintains that both businessmen are integral to the Russian regime conducting the war in Ukraine and that nothing has changed to warrant their removal. The situation remains fluid pending the expiration of the window for member state objections.