Western Countries Lift Sanctions on Nearly Half of Russian Billionaires Who Challenged Them

42 out of 90 Russian billionaires, top managers, and their family members who sought to have international sanctions lifted after the war in Ukraine began have been successful, according to Russian media on February 14.

Most of these cases have been reported in European Union countries, as well as the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, based on court data, media reports, and official registries.

According to the analysis by Russian media, Western courts have most often eased or removed sanctions for former top managers of state-owned banks and businesspeople who distanced themselves from Russia, moved abroad, stopped doing business in the country, proved that sanctions were applied incorrectly, or found legal ways to challenge them.

However, Russian media pointed out that the removal of sanctions does not ensure complete reintegration into the global financial system. Many individuals and entities could still face the risk of being targeted in future rounds of sanctions or effectively blacklisted by banks and companies.

Previously, it was reported that US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are likely to seek a ceasefire in Ukraine before two significant upcoming dates: Easter (April 20) or Victory Day (May 9).