The sanctions are extended this time by 36 months, until September 2029. Until now, EU countries had to decide every six months on the renewal. The new agreement means that the sanctions will not have to be reconsidered repeatedly over the next three years.
Putin associates
However, billionaires Usmanov and Fridman are being removed from the European sanctions list. Both are described as very wealthy businessmen with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their removal therefore met resistance within the EU and sharp criticism from Ukraine.
France had pushed for the removal of Usmanov. Paris cited national security considerations but did not disclose further details. Mere hours later, a ‘French spy’ was released in Uzbekistan. Luxembourg requested the removal of Fridman, who is suing the country for 15 billion euros over assets frozen by the sanctions.
Promotion
Concessions
Latvia strongly opposed the removal of both names and initially blocked the agreement. Ultimately, Riga withdrew its opposition and abstained from voting. Belgium also abstained according to an EU diplomat. This allowed the compromise on the extension to proceed.
The agreement concerns approximately 3,000 individuals and organizations targeted by EU measures. For them, the sanctions will now remain in effect for three years. The longer duration prevents member states from having to reach agreement every six months on continuation.
Embarrassing
Ukraine responded very critically to the removal of Usmanov and Fridman. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the decision embarrassing and unjust. He urged European countries to impose their own national sanctions against both businessmen.
President Volodymyr Zelensky also opposed their removal. According to him, wars must be ended through determination and strength, not through concessions. He did thank Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for her willingness to add more Russian names to the European sanctions list.
After the European compromise, Latvia chose national measures against Usmanov and Fridman. Riga wants to prevent their assets and economic resources in Latvia from being released. Resistance against removing the two businessmen also remained elsewhere in Europe.