EU Renews Russia Sanctions After Deal With Hungary: Some Individuals Delisted, but Key Figures Remain Targeted

The European Union renewed sanctions on over 2,400 Russian entities and individuals on March 15, following a deal with Hungary. In exchange for Hungary lifting its veto, the EU agreed to remove four individuals from the list, a compromise from Budapest's initial demands. The sanctions, now extended for six months, target individuals including Vladimir Putin, Sergey Lavrov, and those involved in Ukrainian territory occupation and child abduction. While some, like Dmitry Degtyaryov and Gulbakhor Ismailova, were delisted, key figures such as Mikhail Fridman, Petr Aven, and Alisher Usmanov remain sanctioned despite Hungarian lobbying. These sanctions aim to weaken the Russian economy and limit resources for its war efforts in Ukraine. The EU faces further challenges in July with the renewal of broader economic sanctions against Russia.