{
  "id": 8947100,
  "title": "EU countries move toward Russia sanctions deal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/eu-countries-move-toward-russia-sanctions-deal",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T15:00:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Politico EU",
    "slug": "politico-eu",
    "url": "https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-countries-move-towards-russia-sanctions-deal/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "EU nations are inching closer to a revised sanctions deal that would potentially strip two high-profile Russian billionaires of their restricted status, contingent on retaining limitations on hundreds of others. Representatives from across the European Union convened in Brussels on Monday to deliberate on the reestablishment of the sanctions framework, following France's insistence on the removal of tycoon Alisher Usmanov before the process could advance. Mikhaïl Fridman, another of Russia's wealthiest individuals, is also slated for delisting. According to three diplomats privy to the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity, the agreement would entail sustaining sanctions on over 3,000 individuals for a subsequent 36-month period, provided Usmanov and Fridman are removed from the sanctions list. Countries must express their consent for the plan to proceed via written confirmation by 8:00 PM on the same day. Ambassadors are engaging with their respective capitals, but the deal is anticipated to proceed, according to the three diplomats. France has cited \"national security concerns\" as the rationale for this move, aligning with Slovakia, which has been advocating for Usmanov's delisting for some time. Luxembourg has persistently pushed for the removal of Mikhail Fridman, a Ukrainian-born Russian-Israeli tycoon who is pursuing legal action against Luxembourg for the reinstatement of frozen assets. While France has not publicly or privately elaborated on its motivations, diplomats have only disclosed that the decision is rooted in a \"specific national security issue\" and that Paris is keen to \"respond positively to international partners who have approached us regarding Mr. Usmanov.\" Usmanov has consistently denied any involvement in Russia's war effort and has lobbied for his removal from the sanctions list, while Fridman contends that the seizure of his assets is unlawful.",
  "summary": "The deal will likely only go ahead if businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman are removed from the sanctions list.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "RFI English",
        "title": "EU and five other countries condemn Russia's 'sham' elections",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/eu-and-five-other-countries-condemn-russias-sham-elections",
        "published": "2026-09-21T16:05:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}