Latvia opposes EU proposal to lift sanctions on Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman
EU sanctions covering roughly 3,000 Russian-linked persons and entities are set to expire at midnight on September 22. A French‑driven compromise would remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the list while extending the overall regime for 36 months. Latvia has said it cannot support that settlement and will hold an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss a solution that fits Latvian interests. The Latvian stance keeps the two oligarchs under EU sanctions as other member states continue negotiations. Ukrainian officials have publicly condemned the proposal.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 45h later
Why it matters
Latvia’s veto could keep key Russian oligarchs sanctioned, preserving EU pressure on Moscow and affecting the bloc’s unified response to the Ukraine conflict.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage frames the episode as a disruptive showdown driven by France and Slovakia’s demand to delist Russian oligarchs, while centrist coverage presents it as a negotiated compromise tied to the release of French prisoners, and right-leaning coverage stresses the procedural impasse and the week-long delay caused by the unanimity rule.
LEFT
Left-leaning coverage portrays the sanctions renewal as a contentious standoff, highlighting France and Slovakia’s obstruction and warning of damage to EU unity.
CENTER
Center coverage depicts the situation as a diplomatic negotiation seeking a compromise, linking the delisting of oligarchs to a prisoner-exchange deal.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage emphasizes the procedural deadlock and the one-week postponement, focusing on the unanimity requirement and legal challenges by the oligarchs.
The left emphasises
- France and Slovakia are blocking a unanimous vote unless oligarchs are removed.
- The deadlock has delayed the decision by a week and threatens European cohesion.
- Ukraine’s envoy criticises the delisting as sending the wrong signal.
The right emphasises
- EU ambassadors postponed the sanctions expiry by a week due to an impasse over renewal.
- France and Slovakia’s national-security rationale for delisting Usmanov is noted.
- Usmanov has filed lawsuits challenging the sanctions and media statements.
How this story developed
- Aug 30 India supplies nearly a million barrels of gasoline to Russia as Moscow faces refinery attacks
- Sep 13 Russian jet‑powered drones attacked a Kyiv petrol station, killing two and injuring twelve.
- Sep 15 EU Coreper authorized a week‑long postponement of the sanctions expiry.
- Sep 16 The House passed a fresh sanctions package targeting Russia with a 262-159 vote, now awaiting President Trump's signature.
- Sep 17 The Senate approved the bill with an 86‑11 vote last month.
- Sep 19 President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law.
- Sep 19 President Donald Trump signed a bill that gives the United States new authority to impose broad sanctions on Russia, targeting its energy sector and senior officials.
- Sep 19 President Trump signed the expanded sanctions law.
- Sep 20 President Donald Trump asked President Volodimir Zelenski to stop attacks on Russian oil refineries, warning they raise diesel prices, as the two leaders prepare to meet in New York during the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 21 Zelensky announced plans for a high‑profile meeting with President Trump in New York.
- Sep 21 Russian forces carried out multiple attacks on Ukraine's front-line regions on Monday, resulting in at least five deaths.
- Sep 22 Macron scheduled private meetings with Trump at 17:35 and with Zelensky at 21:45 in New York during UN week.
- Sep 22 Ukrainian forces reported an overnight drone raid on Russia’s Kuibyshev oil refinery.
- Sep 22 Latvia announced it will not back the proposal to delist Usmanov and Fridman, prompting an emergency cabinet meeting.
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