EU Renews Sanctions Against Russian Figures Amid Diplomatic Tensions

The European Union has renewed sanctions on Russian individuals and entities, including Mikhail Fridman, despite pressure from Hungary. The extension, agreed upon by all 27 EU member states, will last until September 15. Hungary initially sought to delist several individuals, but only three were ultimately removed.

The European Union has decided to continue its sanctions on Russian individuals and entities, ensuring they remain in effect until September 15. The consensus was reached among the ambassadors from all 27 member states, despite Hungary's attempts to influence the outcome by advocating for the removal of notable Russian figures.

Hungary, which maintains a relatively positive diplomatic relationship with Russia despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, had proposed that nine names be taken off the sanctions list. This list included prominent businessman Mikhail Fridman. However, negotiations saw this request whittled down to just three individuals being delisted. These are Gulbakhor Ismailova, Viatcheslav Moshe Kantor, and Mikhail Degtyarev.

An additional individual, Vladimir Rashevsky, was removed from the sanctions due to insufficient legal grounds rather than concession to Hungary's demands. The other three removals were related to the individuals having passed away. Currently, over 2,400 individuals and entities remain on the EU's targeted sanctions list against Russia.

(With inputs from agencies.)