EU removes two Russian billionaires from sanctions
The European Union removed Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list while extending restrictions on nearly 3,000 other entries. Ireland's EU presidency described the outcome as a difficult compromise. Ukraine said the decision was shameful and sent Moscow the wrong signal because both men had close ties to President Vladimir Putin.
Why it matters
The exemptions reveal tension within the EU over maintaining a united sanctions policy toward Russia.
Sources
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Part of the September 23, 2026 brief.