EU Court Cancels Sanctions Against Former Russian Senator
The European Court of Justice lifted personal sanctions against former senator Oleg Tkach. The European Court of Justice annulled Council of the European Union decisions on extending personal sanctions against former senator from Kaliningrad region and founder of publishing house 'Olma Media Group' Oleg Tkach.
Consensus
- The European Court of Justice annulled EU Council decisions to extend personal sanctions against Oleg Tkach.
- Tkach was included in the EU sanctions list in March 2022.
- Tkach represented Kaliningrad Oblast in the Russian Federation Council.
- Tkach left the Federation Council in September 2022.
- The court ruled that the EU Council failed to provide sufficient evidence that Tkach remained responsible for actions undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity after his departure.
- The court's decision does not affect a new EU sanction decision against Tkach from March 2026.
- The EU previously lifted sanctions against Alisher Usmanov, Mikhail Fridman, and Andrey Falaleev.
Points of divergence
- The EU Council's March 2026 decision cited Tkach's continued control over 'Prosveshchenie' and 'Olma Media Group' as grounds for sanctions, with the EU claiming the publisher actively promotes Russia's war against Ukraine. — mediazona
- Tkach is challenging the March 2026 sanction decision and demands the cancellation of sanctions and 650,000 euros in compensation. — mediazona
- In April 2022, 'Prosveshchenie' staff were instructed to minimize mentions of Ukraine and Kyiv in textbooks; changes in the 'Environment' textbook for 4th grade removed references to Kyiv in historical sections. — mediazona
- The court's decision was based on the fact that Tkach had completely disengaged from political activity and had no role in state decision-making. — tg_moscowtimes_ru
- The court's ruling was based on hearings held in February 2026. — tg_moscowtimes_ru
- The court hearings were held on 25 February 2026. — tg_tvrain
- The EU Court's decision was announced on 23 September, and the same day the EU lifted sanctions from Usmanov and Fridman. — vm
- The case is described as a rare instance of sanctions being lifted from a Russian official of such a high level. — tg_bazabazon
Coverage (6 sources)
- Court of the EU annulled decisions on extending sanctions against former senator from Kaliningrad region Oleg Tkach for 2024 and 2025 — Медиазона
- EU lifted sanctions from former senator who voted for first stage of annexation of DNR and LNR — The Moscow Times
- European Court lifted personal sanctions from former senator Oleg Tkach — Говорит НеМосква
- Court revoked personal sanctions of the European Union Council against former senator Oleg Tkach — Дождь (Telegram)
- European Court of Justice revoked sanctions against former Council of the Federation member Oleg Tkach — Вечерняя Москва
- EU Court revoked sanctions against former Council of Federation member Oleg Tkach — rare case of lifting restrictions on a Russian official of such level — Baza
Key entities
- Oleg Tkach
- EU
- Kaliningrad Oblast
- European Union
- Council of Federation
- Sovfed
- Olma Media Group
- Court
- EU Council
- Donetsk People's Republic
- LNR
- Court of Justice of the European Union
- Russia
- European Court