Key facts
- EU countries are moving toward a deal to remove Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from sanctions.
- The agreement is a condition for renewing sanctions against over 3,000 individuals for 36 months.
- France cited "national security concerns" for its demand to remove Usmanov.
- Slovakia has also lobbied for Usmanov's delisting.
- Luxembourg has advocated for the removal of Mikhail Fridman.
- The deal requires agreement from all EU countries by written procedure with an 8:00 PM deadline.
European Union member states are reportedly nearing an agreement that would allow for the removal of two prominent Russian businessmen, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from the bloc's sanctions list. This potential concession is a key condition for the renewal of sanctions against more than 3,000 other individuals, which are set to expire.
Ambassadors from the EU countries met in Brussels on Monday to negotiate the terms of the sanctions framework. France had previously blocked the renewal, demanding the removal of tycoon Alisher Usmanov, citing "national security concerns." Slovakia has also been a vocal proponent of Usmanov's delisting. Similarly, Luxembourg has long advocated for the removal of Ukrainian-born, Russian-Israeli businessman Mikhail Fridman, who is reportedly suing the country over the seizure of his assets.
According to three diplomats familiar with the discussions, the proposed deal would extend sanctions on over 3,000 individuals for an additional 36 months, in exchange for delisting Usmanov and Fridman. The plan requires unanimous agreement from all EU member states, which must be confirmed by written procedure by 8:00 PM on Monday. While ambassadors are consulting with their respective capitals, the arrangement is widely expected to proceed.