On February 25, Reuters reported that Hungary is advocating for the removal of eight Russians from the EU sanctions list.
"System" notes that Budapest is seeking the lifting of sanctions on the following individuals:
- Billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who has been sanctioned by the EU as a "pro-Kremlin oligarch" since February 28, 2022.
- Usmanov's sister Gulbahor Ismailova (under sanctions since April 8, 2022), who is likely to own part of her billionaire brother's overseas assets.
- Co-founder of "Alfa-Bank" Mikhail Friedman, who was sanctioned by the EU on February 28, 2022, for his involvement "in sectors of the economy that provide a significant source of income for the Russian government."
- Friedman's partner at "Alfa-Bank," Petr Aven (also sanctioned since February 28, 2022).
- Co-owner of the "Uralchem" holding, Dmitry Mazepin. Under EU sanctions since March 2022.
- Businessman Vyacheslav Moshe Kantor, president of the European Jewish Congress. Under EU sanctions since April 8, 2022, as a "Russian oligarch" with "close ties to [illegitimate] President Vladimir Putin."
- Head of the "Alliance" group, oil magnate Musa Bagayev. Under EU sanctions since April 2022 for supporting strategic sectors of the Russian economy.
- Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev. Under EU sanctions since July 25, 2014, he was listed after the announcement of the opening of the "embassy" of the "DPR" in Moscow.
"System" highlights that the first seven individuals on this list have attempted to contest their inclusion in the sanctions list but have not succeeded.