"The blacklist, which was created after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, needs to be renewed every six months, normally in mid-September and mid-March. European diplomats have been in discussion about a rollover for the past two weeks, notably as both Hungary and Slovakia indicated they would leverage their green lights for an extension conditional on the delisting of a number of Russian businessmen."
"In March, oligarch Viatcheslav Moshe Kantor, Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov, and Gulbahor Ismailova, the sister of billionaire tycoon Alisher Usmanov, were removed from the blacklist in this way. According to several EU officials speaking to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity, Bratislava was pushing for Usmanov and businessman Mikhail Fridman to be removed. In addition to those two individuals, Hungary also suggested oligarchs Dmitry Mazepin, Pyotr Aven, Musa Bazhaev, and Albert Avdolyan for delisting."
The European Union agreed to prolong visa bans and asset freezes on more than 2,600 people and entities identified as undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity. The blacklist requires renewal every six months, typically in mid-September and mid-March. Hungary and Slovakia sought to condition their approval on removing several Russian businessmen from the list, following earlier removals of specific individuals in March. Most other EU member states, led by Denmark as rotating president, opposed politically motivated delistings and delayed ambassador-level talks until September 12, leaving only days before the sanctions expiry deadline. A recent Russian drone incursion into Poland strengthened arguments against easing sanctions.
Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty
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