The delistings resulted from a September 22 agreement to extend sanctions on approximately 3,000 Russian entities for 3 years after Latvia dropped a veto. France pushed for Usmanov's removal in linked negotiations to secure the release of French national Martin Ryan from an Azerbaijani prison, and Luxembourg sought Fridman's removal following a $16 billion claim he filed against the country. Ukraine called the move an unacceptable concession, while UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed disagreement with the decision.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Russian Tycoons Study Usmanov and Fridman to Escape EU Sanctions
Geopolitics24 days ago
Businessmen in Russia are examining how the removal of billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the EU blacklist can be used as a model to lift other restrictions. At least two entrepreneurs are treating Fridman's case as a legal precedent for their own lawsuits, although most sources believe these specific delistings were exceptional and are unlikely to trigger widespread relief for other sanctioned individuals.
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