On September 21, 2026, the European Union initiated a written procedure to extend individual sanctions against Russia. If no member state raises objections by 19:00 Kyiv time, the decision will be automatically adopted. This was reported by diplomats familiar with the matter.
Current Situation on Sanctions
According to information, two individuals may be removed from the sanctions list. France and Slovakia are blocking the extension of EU sanctions against Russia, demanding the lifting of restrictions on Russian oligarchs Friedman and Usmanov.
Reasons for Disagreement Among EU Countries
Some member states of the European Union express disagreement regarding the extension of sanctions, particularly due to the inclusion of Alisher Usmanov on the list. Previously, France and Slovakia demanded his exclusion, while Croatia and Italy supported a decision to reach a compromise.
History of Sanctions
The EU imposed sanctions on Usmanov and Friedman in 2022 following the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The restrictions include:
- a ban on entry to the EU;
- freezing of assets in EU countries.
Currently, the European Union has extended personal sanctions against Russia for another week, which will now be in effect until midnight on September 22. During this time, member states must agree on further actions.