Key facts
- EU envoys extended Russia sanctions by seven days to September 22.
- The sanctions, targeting nearly 3,000 individuals and companies, were set to expire September 15.
- France and Slovakia want Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov removed from the list.
- Most EU capitals oppose delisting anyone amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine.
- Discussions continue on whether to renew sanctions for six months or 12 months.
European Union envoys have extended sanctions against Russia by seven days to September 22, after failing to reach unanimous agreement on a six-month renewal. The delay stems from a dispute over whether to remove Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov from the sanctions list, with France joining Slovakia in citing national security concerns. The sanctions regime, which targets nearly 3,000 individuals and companies with asset freezes and travel bans, was due to expire on September 15.
Most EU capitals are reportedly unwilling to delist any individuals amid ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine. Discussions are also ongoing regarding the duration of the renewal, with some member states debating a six-month extension versus a 12-month period. Alisher Usmanov, a metals and mining mogul with a net worth of $18.8 billion as of early 2026, has launched legal challenges in Europe to have the sanctions lifted.
EU sanctions require unanimous approval from all 27 member states and must be renewed every six months. In June, EU countries agreed to renew sectoral sanctions, such as those on energy, for a year to reduce last-minute debates.