The European Union has agreed to extend its sanctions against Russia following weeks of tense negotiations, reaching a deal only hours before the measures were due to expire.

EU member states confirmed on Saturday that the sanctions—imposed in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—will remain in force until 15 September. The restrictions target roughly 2,600 individuals and organizations and include travel bans, asset freezes, and financial limitations.

Among those remaining on the sanctions list are Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. Their status had been a point of contention during negotiations, as Slovakia pushed for their removal and warned it could block the renewal of the entire sanctions regime.

Hungary supported Slovakia’s request during discussions but ultimately withdrew its own objections and did not join a potential veto. EU diplomats said Slovakia eventually stepped back after finding itself isolated during the talks.

Some names removed from sanctions list

Despite the overall extension, the EU agreed to remove seven individuals from the sanctions list.

One of them is Dutch oil trader Niels Troost, who had been sanctioned in 2024 for allegedly trading Russian oil above the EU’s price cap. According to EU legal advisers, the evidence supporting the case against him—and another unnamed individual—was considered insufficient.

The remaining five individuals were removed because they had died.

Divisions within the EU persist

While the agreement prevents the sanctions from lapsing, divisions among EU members remain visible.

Hungary continues to block a crucial legal measure that would enable a €90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine. It is also delaying approval of a new round of sanctions against Russia, creating further friction inside the bloc.

EU leaders are expected to revisit the issue at a summit in Brussels on 19 March, where discussions over additional support for Ukraine and future sanctions are likely to take center stage.