EU set to extend sanctions on Russia-linked individuals, including Riga resident Avens

European Union member states face a Tuesday deadline to decide on extending sanctions against more than 3,000 individuals connected to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Reaching agreement has been delayed due to objections raised by Slovakia.

Among those subject to the sanctions is Pyotr Aven, who resides in Latvia. He was added to the sanctions list four years ago, at the time considered one of the oligarchs closest to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The question of extending the sanctions touches not only financial restrictions but also matters such as residence permits and citizenship issues for listed individuals who live within EU member states. Currently there is no apparent basis to expect that Aven's Latvian citizenship or passport would be revoked, even though his name remains on the international sanctions list.

Slovakia's position on the further progress of the sanctions package has added tension to internal EU negotiations, since extension requires unanimous agreement among member states. The Tuesday deadline means member states must reach a compromise within a short timeframe, or the sanctions regime could otherwise be jeopardized or delayed.

Since the start of Russia's invasion, the sanctions list has become one of the EU's key tools for restricting the financial and other activities within European territory of individuals linked to the Russian government or businesspeople close to it.