Kathrine Frich
Critics are skeptical of the claim that the Russian delistings were accidental.
Critics are skeptical of the claim that the Russian delistings were accidental.
Removes Russian Entities from U.S. Sanctions List
Donald Trump has made another move that has raised eyebrows in Washington and beyond,
The president “accidentally” lifted U.S. sanctions on multiple Russian banks, companies, and individuals, including the agency responsible for exporting Russian weapons.
Sanctions Lifted While Aiming at Syria
The unexpected rollback occurred as Trump signed an executive order on June 30 to lift longstanding sanctions on Syria.
The White House claimed the action targeted economic revival in the war-torn country, but several Russian-linked entities were also quietly cleared.
Rosoboronexport No Longer Sanctioned
Among the most controversial removals is Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms export agency.
The organization plays a key role in selling military hardware abroad, and its delisting has sparked concerns over renewed Russian arms deals.
Former FIDE President and Alleged Assad Ally Also Cleared
Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, former head of Kalmykia and ex-president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), also found his name removed.
‘He was sanctioned in 2015 for backing Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, but is now reportedly eager to meet Trump and challenge him to a chess match.
Banks with Iranian Ties Delisted Too
Several financial institutions were also dropped from the list, including:
– Financial Alliance Bank (owned by Ilyumzhinov)
– Tempbank (license revoked in 2017)
– Mir Business Bank, affiliated with sanctioned Iranian bank Melli Iran
– RFK Bank, a Russian state-owned institution
Corporate Entities Quietly Cleared
In addition to banks and individuals, the U.S. also removed sanctions on Russian-linked companies such as:
– Global Concepts Group
– STG Logistic
– Global Vision Group
– Maritime Assistance
– Promsîreimport, a federal state enterprise
Ilyumzhinov: From UFO Claims to Political Clout
The flamboyant Ilyumzhinov is no stranger to headlines, he once claimed he was abducted by aliens in 1997.
Yet despite the eccentricity, he’s maintained political and business clout in Russia and has now emerged as a surprising beneficiary of U.S. policy.
Trump’s Syria Policy Sparks Mixed Reaction
While Syrian officials welcomed the easing of sanctions, the White House stressed that restrictions remain in place for figures tied to Assad, human rights violations, terrorism, and chemical weapons programs.
Critics Question “Accidental” Nature of Delistings
Analysts and critics are skeptical of the claim that the Russian delistings were accidental.
The decision has reignited concerns over Trump’s history of controversial foreign policy decisions involving Russia.
