Ukraine FM Sybiga Urges EU Not to Remove Russian Oligarchs from Sanctions List

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga called on EU member states on September 14 to preserve existing sanctions against Russian oligarchs linked to the Kremlin. His appeal came as Slovakia and France continue to push for the removal of Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov from the EU personal sanctions list.

Sybiga: Sanctions Must Send a Clear Signal

Putin's closest circle and those who facilitate Russian aggression must remain on the sanctions list, Sybiga wrote on platform X. The Ukrainian minister said removing sanctions from key Russian oligarchs linked to the regime, such as Usmanov and Fridman, is difficult to understand, especially in conditions where Russia is intensifying terror against our people.

Individual sanctions are an effective tool to individually restrict the activities of those who support the Russian war machine. These individuals must be named and held accountable, Sybiga said.

Call for Longer Sanctions Period

Sybiga also called for extending individual sanctions from the current six-month cycle to 12 months, stating this would be a clear signal to the Kremlin that Europe is not intimidated by reckless escalation from Russia.

• Sybiga: oligarchs who support Russia's war machine must stay on the list
• Ukraine calls for extending sanctions from 6 to 12 months
• Slovakia and France currently blocking full six-month renewal