EU removes Usmanov and Fridman from Russia sanctions list while extending remaining sanctions for three years

EU member states agreed to remove Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the Russia sanctions list while extending sanctions on nearly 3,000 individuals and entities for three years. France requested Usmanov's removal on national security grounds and Luxembourg requested the same for Fridman, who is suing Luxembourg for $16 billion. Latvia, which had objected to the delistings, ultimately abstained, allowing the deal to pass under the EU's unanimity requirement.