Alisher Usmanov
Uzbek-born Russian billionaire and metals investor, founder of USM Holdings.
Alisher Usmanov is an Uzbek-born Russian billionaire and metals investor, founder of USM Holdings. The EU removed him from its Russia sanctions list on 22 September 2026, at France's request.
Last refreshed: 12 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Why did France ask the EU to drop sanctions on Usmanov?
Timeline for Alisher Usmanov
EU ministers adopt 22nd Russia package
Russia-Ukraine War 2026Background
Alisher Usmanov left the European Union's Russia sanctions list on 22 September 2026. France asked for his removal, and the Council of the European Union granted it as part of a deal to renew the individual sanctions regime for 36 months, to September 2029, instead of the usual six. Latvia abstained.
Born in Uzbekistan in 1953, Usmanov built his Fortune in metals, mining and telecoms. He holds his main interests through USM Holdings, the group he founded. The EU first listed him in 2022, after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
His removal was one of three in the renewal; Mikhail Fridman came off at Luxembourg's request. Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, called the delistings disgraceful and unjustified. Usmanov's exit came three weeks before EU ministers added nearly 1,600 new names to their Russia lists.
Why did the EU lift sanctions on Alisher Usmanov?
Who is Alisher Usmanov?
Who else did the EU delist with Alisher Usmanov?
