,

Aven and

from the list of persons who were banned from issuing visas and whose assets were frozen

, several diplomatic sources who are not authorized to speak officially said on January 17, Svoboda correspondent Rikard Yuzviak said.

Hungary tried to remove the trio from sanctions even when the restrictive measures were planned to be lifted in September, but quickly backed down after political pressure.

Hungarian Prime Minister

has long been critical of the European Union's stance toward Moscow during the conflict, saying that sanctions have harmed the bloc without weakening Russia or helping Ukraine.

The sanctions list must receive unanimous approval to proceed as the March 15 renewal deadline approaches.

Hungary also seeks to remove Usmanov's sister

from the sanctions list ;

Aven's business partner

;

Belarusian-Russian oligarch

;

his son

;

Russian oligarchs

Berozkin and

.

The official magazine EZ calls Usmanov "a pro-Kremlin oligarch with particularly close ties to Russian President

."

He is called one of "Putin's favorite oligarchs" and is seen as an intermediary in the president's affairs.

The sanctions have already led to the confiscation of the world's largest yacht, worth $600 million, linked to Usmanov, who unsuccessfully challenged the measures in the European Court of Justice.

His sister was sanctioned after an investigation revealed that Usmanov had indirectly transferred his assets to her.

The European Union says that Aven “is one of about 50 wealthy Russian businessmen who meet regularly with Putin in the Kremlin.

He does not act independently of the president's demands."

Rashnikov was added to the list in March, and Brussels described him as "a leading Russian oligarch who is the owner and chairman of the board of directors of Magnitogorsk Metallurgical Plant (MMK).

MMK is one of the largest taxpayers in Russia."

Mazepin is the owner and general director of the company for the production of mineral fertilizers "Uralchim", according to EZ, he is "a friend of Putin's closest circle" and "one of the leading businessmen engaged in economic sectors that provide a significant source of income for the Russian government."

Mazepin comes from Minsk.

His son Nikita, who was a member of the Haas Formula 1 team, is listed because of his close relationship with his father.

Kantor, who was sanctioned in April, heads the Akron Group, one of Russia's largest fertilizer producers.

According to Brussels, Kantor "repeatedly openly declared his support and friendship with President Putin and has good relations with the Kremlin."

At the same time, Berozkin was called "a leading Russian businessman who is considered an "associate" of President Vladimir Putin."