EU Sanctions Against Russia Extended Amid Hungarys Standoff Over Specific Individuals

The EU has reached a consensus to remove four individuals from its sanctions roster against Russia, following a delay attributed to Hungary, as reported by AFP and Reuters on Friday. This decision clears the way for the bloc to prolong sanctions against over 2,400 other individuals for an additional six months.

According to diplomatic sources cited by AFP, those whose asset freezes and visa restrictions are being lifted include businessmen Vladimir Rashevsky and Vyacheslav Kantor, Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev, and the sister of billionaire Alisher Usmanov.

Reuters also referenced diplomatic contacts, noting that the removal of Rashevsky was based on a lack of solid legal justification rather than pressure from Budapest.

The EU is required to renew two sets of sanctions against Russia every six months via a unanimous vote. Hungary, which has relatively favorable relations with Russia, has frequently leveraged these votes to promote its own interests.

Following the decision to maintain sanctions against Russia, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on X, «Our determination to support Ukraine is unwavering.»

On Thursday, the Financial Times reported that Hungary’s ambassador to the EU had insisted on the exclusion of Russian billionaire Mikhail Fridman from the sanctions list before consenting to the extension of sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine.

Nonetheless, Fridman remains on the sanctions list despite Hungary’s efforts.

Hungarian officials contended that renewing the sanctions, which also target Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, could hinder ongoing peace talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.

The sanctions, due to expire on March 15, necessitate unanimous consent from the EU’s 27 member nations for renewal.

This recent impasse in Hungary mirrors a similar last-minute delay in January regarding broader economic sanctions against Russia. Eventually, Budapest acquiesced after receiving assurances from Brussels addressing its concerns.

Reporting by AFP contributed to this coverage.