Alisher Usmanov Prevails in Legal Battle Against Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

In a landmark ruling on January 23, 2026, the Hamburg Regional Court granted Alisher Usmanov a significant legal victory against the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). This decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle over the spread of misinformation and false claims regarding Usmanov.

The court's judgment centered around a controversial article published by FAZ in April 2023, titled "On the Kremlin's Orders." This article contained several unverified and defamatory assertions about Usmanov's financial dealings, suggesting links to the Kremlin and implicating him in dubious activities connected with the Russian state. Specifically, the court ruled that FAZ could not propagate claims alleging that Usmanov had operated as an "informal envoy for Uzbekistan" on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Additionally, the ruling condemned claims made by political activist Alexey Navalny, who had accused Usmanov of making real estate gifts to foundations linked to Russian officials in exchange for political favor. The court determined that these statements lacked substantial evidence and were merely baseless allegations.

This decision reaffirms a consistent legal trend in favor of Usmanov, as it follows earlier cases where similar accusations were dismissed by various courts across Europe, including a notable ruling against Forbes magazine earlier in January 2024. The cumulative effect of these legal victories raises serious questions about the basis of the European sanctions imposed on Usmanov, primarily predicated on allegations now deemed unfounded.

Legal representative Joachim Steinhöfel, acting on behalf of Usmanov, expressed satisfaction with the court's determination. He remarked, "This ruling confirms that the core accusations in the FAZ article were nothing more than a conflation of false statements and discredited narratives brought forth by Alexey Navalny. It’s a testament to the troubling nature of how unfounded claims can unjustly justify sanctions against an individual."

The implications of this case extend beyond Usmanov’s personal interests. The ruling poses significant challenges to the credibility of media outlets that have broadcast similar allegations without thorough verification. Since 2023, Usmanov's efforts to combat misinformation have led to 18 court victories and numerous retractions from international media outlets, demonstrating a proactive approach in defending his reputation and challenging the narrative crafted by his critics.

As investigations surrounding Usmanov's alleged connections to sanctions were previously dismissed by German authorities in December 2025, this ruling serves as further evidence of Usmanov's stance against fabricated claims. It highlights the importance of rigorous journalistic standards and the potential legal ramifications of publishing unverified information.

In a wider context, this case raises eyebrows regarding the influence of media narratives in shaping public opinion and policy. It questions the responsibilities of major news organizations in ensuring the accuracy of their reporting when associating individuals with serious allegations, especially in politically charged environments.

Usmanov's continued legal pursuits demonstrate not only his commitment to clearing his name but also the significant impact such court decisions can have on media practices in the face of unsubstantiated claims. As the legal landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how this ruling will influence public discourse regarding misinformation and the accountability of media sources in Europe and beyond.