# Latvia blocks EU sanctions relief for Russian businessmen Usmanov and Fridman

https://mins.news/en/item/68624

- Meduza, 2026-09-22 09:36 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://meduza.io/en/news/2026/09/22/latvia-blocks-eu-sanctions-relief-for-usmanov-and-fridman

> Latvia refused to back a deal that would remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the EU sanctions list in return for extending the broader list, covering about 3,000 Russia-linked people and organizations, for three years. Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said a 36-month extension would be appropriate, but should not be bought by removing the two individuals. EU ambassadors had agreed to lift their sanctions if no member state objected.

## Related coverage

- [Europe lifts sanctions against two Russians](https://mins.news/en/video/70274) — France 24 English, 2026-09-23
- [Estonia says France must explain push to lift EU sanctions on Usmanov](https://mins.news/en/item/69709) — Reuters, 2026-09-22
- [EU drops sanctions on Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman](https://mins.news/en/item/69530) — DW, 2026-09-22
- [Latvia gives in to France's demands to lift EU sanctions on two Russian oligarchs, diplomats say](https://mins.news/en/item/69138) — The Kyiv Independent, 2026-09-22