All articles tagged with #mikhail fridman
The European Union has lifted sanctions on Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, a move driven by France and Luxembourg to secure prisoner releases and legal settlements. This decision, which sparked outrage in Ukraine, was part of a broader compromise to extend sanctions on nearly 3,000 other Russian entities for 36 months.
EU ambassadors failed to reach a unanimous decision on Monday to renew individual sanctions against nearly 3,000 entities linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine, with the current temporary extension set to expire on Tuesday. The deadlock stems from France and Slovakia demanding the removal of Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov and Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman from the sanctions list. A compromise proposal emerged to renew the sanctions for 36 months instead of the standard 12, in exchange for delisting the two men. Ukraine and several EU member states strongly opposed the deal, warning it would signal that sanctions are negotiable and undermine pressure on Moscow. Negotiations were extended multiple times, with a final deadline set for Tuesday morning.
EU ambassadors failed to reach a unanimous decision to renew 3,000 sanctions against Russia-linked individuals before a Tuesday deadline. France and Slovakia are blocking the renewal to force the delisting of oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. A compromise involving a 36-month extension is being negotiated, but opposition remains strong among other member states.
The EU faces a potential collapse of its Russia-related sanctions regime by September 21, 2026, as France and Slovakia block the renewal of 3,000 listings. The dispute centers on delisting oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, with France reportedly linking its support to Azerbaijan’s release of two French nationals. Zelensky has condemned the move, warning it would shield Russian oligarchs and gift concessions to Moscow.
The US Treasury Department has imposed financial sanctions on four Russians, including Russian-Israeli billionaire Mikhail Fridman, who are on the board of Alfa Group, one of Russia's largest conglomerates. The sanctions are part of ongoing efforts to restrict the Russian economy and its wealthiest individuals in response to the country's invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions will block access to their US properties and financial interests. Fridman, a founder of Alfa Group and one of Russia's wealthiest tycoons, has previously spoken out against the bloodshed in Ukraine.