EU Extends Russia Sanctions but Removes Two Billionaires

2026, September 23

European Union / Russia

The European Union renewed sanctions against about 3,000 Russian individuals and entities, extending the measures for three years rather than the usual six months. At the same time, the bloc removed billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the sanctions list after internal debate among member states.

The decision exposed divisions within the EU over how far sanctions should go and how long they should remain in place. Ukraine criticized the delistings, while some European governments cited legal and national-security considerations; the broader sanctions regime remains linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.