France Advocates for Removal of Alisher Usmanov from EU Sanctions List

The European Union's sanctions against Russia are facing significant challenges as France has called for the removal of Uzbek-born billionaire Alisher Usmanov from the sanctions list. This request has created a diplomatic impasse, forcing the EU to extend the sanctions deadline by one week to avoid an embarrassing lapse.

On September 14, EU ambassadors agreed to a temporary extension of the sanctions, originally set to expire on September 15, 2026, now pushed to September 22. France, citing a 'specific national security issue,' has joined Slovakia in advocating for Usmanov's delisting, which has complicated the usual procedural renewal process.

Usmanov has been under EU sanctions since 2022 due to his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and he is also sanctioned by the UK and the US. His assets across Europe, including luxury properties, were frozen following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the discussions surrounding Usmanov's potential delisting, labeling it 'immoral and self-destructive.' The situation reflects the ongoing tensions within the EU regarding sanctions, as Slovakia has historically pushed for the removal of Usmanov and fellow oligarch Mikhail Fridman.

The current sanctions list includes around 3,000 individuals and entities, and the requirement for unanimous approval in EU foreign policy decisions poses challenges, allowing any member state to block or delay the process. The upcoming September 22 deadline will be critical in determining the future of Usmanov's sanctions status.