EU strips two Russian oligarchs from sanctions list, prompting Norwegian debate

The European Union has decided to erase two of Russia’s wealthiest businessmen, Alisjer Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from its sanctions register, a move prompted by lobbying from France, Slovakia and Luxembourg and tied to a prisoner-exchange arrangement with Azerbaijan. Ukraine’s foreign minister described the step as “shameful and indefensible,” and Moscow celebrated it as a triumph. Norway’s foreign ministry noted that it has been mirroring EU sanction updates in national law but did not state whether the duo will be removed from Norway’s list.

Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia announced they will impose their own sanctions on the oligarchs. Former diplomat Eirik Bergesen interprets Norway’s response as broadly supporting the EU line, while Green Party MP Julie Stuestøl urges tougher Norwegian measures, including closing ports to Russian ships. Analysts warn the delisting could allow the oligarchs to regain access to assets frozen in Europe.