EU deal to lift sanctions on Russian oligarchs Usmanov, Fridman stalls

The EU failed on Monday evening to finalize plans to lift sanctions against two Russian oligarchs, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.

According to an EU diplomat, the required unanimity was not achieved in the written decision-making procedure. 

The ambassadors of the member states are now due to meet again on Tuesday morning for further discussions.

Time is running out for the EU member states. The planned lifting of sanctions against Usmanov and Fridman is tied to a decision on extending measures against around 3,000 other individuals, entities and companies.

These sanctions would otherwise expire overnight in the early hours of Wednesday. All those concerned are accused of supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine or of profiting from the Kremlin’s policies.

The sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman were imposed days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Official EU documents describe Usmanov as a "pro-Kremlin oligarch with particularly close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin." 

Meanwhile, Fridman "has been referred to as a top Russian financier and enabler of Putin's inner circle," according to the bloc.

The EU's 27 member states are set to lift the travel ban and asset freezes on the duo over fears that some could otherwise fail to unanimously back the extension of sanctions.

EU sanctions over Russia's war in Ukraine on individuals and businesses have to be renewed periodically.

According to information obtained by dpa, France and Slovakia campaigned for the easing of sanctions imposed against Usmanov, while Luxembourg pushed for Fridman's sanctions to be lifted.

Slovakia reportedly threatened to use its veto to block the extension of all sanctions unless Usmanov was removed from the list. Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar said previously that the country was supporting the oligarch in his legal battle against EU sanctions.

According to a report by Radio Free Europe, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico forwarded a letter from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressing support for Usmanov.

Erdoğan reportedly said Usmanov has contributed to greater openness between states such as Turkey and Azerbaijan and the West.

According to diplomats, France's position is linked to a plan to secure the release of French nationals detained in Azerbaijan. Baku has itself been campaigning for Usmanov to be removed from the EU sanctions list for some time.

Paris had until recently declined to give specific reasons for its position, referring only to national security concerns.

The lifting of sanctions against Usmanov carries the risk of providing other Russians with arguments for legal challenges against restrictive measures.

The 73-year-old Usmanov is also known for previous financial ties to Premier League club Arsenal.

German prosecutors have investigated Usmanov on suspicion of violations of the Foreign Trade and Payments Act and possible sanctions violations. The proceedings were dropped on payment of a fine of €10 million ($11.6 million).

Usmanov most recently lost a legal challenge against the sanctions imposed on him before the EU General Court in 2025.

Fridman, however, has already won several challenges against sanctions in EU courts.

There have been regular disputes within the EU over the sanctions, but the change of government in Hungary gave rise to hopes that extending existing sanctions would become easier.