The European Union has extended its sanctions against over 3,000 individuals and entities tied to threats against Ukraine’s territorial integrity, reinforcing its ongoing response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. These sanctions, which include asset freezes and travel restrictions, will now be in place until September 22, 2029, offering a more stable framework compared to previous shorter renewals.
In a notable development during the latest round of reviews, Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman were removed from the EU’s sanctions list. Both had originally been sanctioned in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The decision to lift sanctions on these two individuals has sparked criticism from Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, expressed strong disapproval of the EU’s decision, labeling it unacceptable. He argued that the initial reasons for sanctioning Usmanov and Fridman remain unchanged, suggesting that their removal from the list undermines efforts to hold those linked to the conflict accountable.
The EU’s broader sanctions regime remains a critical element of its strategy to pressure Russia over its military activities in Ukraine. By extending the measures for a longer period, the EU aims to maintain a consistent stance against actions jeopardizing Ukraine’s sovereignty. However, the removal of high-profile figures like Usmanov and Fridman indicates the complexities involved in balancing diplomatic and economic pressures within the sanctions framework.