Ukraine Proposes EU Sanction Lissin and Potanin to Replace Lifted Oligarch Restrictions

Ukraine has formally proposed to the European Union that sanctions be imposed on Russian oligarchs Vladimir Lissin and Vladimir Potanin as a replacement for the recently lifted restrictions on Usmanov and Fridman. Lissin controls a major portion of Russia's steel production through NLMK Group, while Potanin heads Norilsk Nickel, the world's largest producer of refined nickel and palladium. Both operations are cited as significant contributors to Russia's military-industrial economy. ## Ukraine's Rationale Ukrainian officials argue that maintaining pressure on the oligarchs who benefit from the war economy is essential to the sanctions strategy. By proposing alternative targets, Ukraine aims to ensure that the overall sanctions pressure does not diminish following the Usmanov and Fridman decisions. ## EU Response The EU has not yet responded publicly to Ukraine's proposals. The suggestion comes amid broader European debate about the effectiveness and coherence of the Russia sanctions regime.