Key facts
- The EU has postponed its decision on renewing sanctions against Russia until Sept. 22.
- France is lobbying to remove Uzbek-Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov from the sanctions list.
- Slovakia is advocating for the delisting of both Usmanov and tycoon Mikhail Fridman.
- Luxembourg has stated that if Usmanov is removed, it wants Fridman removed as well.
- President Zelensky stated it is not the time to lift sanctions or shield Russian oligarchs.
- Usmanov and Fridman have not yet taken steps against the war in Ukraine, according to Zelensky.
The European Union has extended the deadline for agreeing on the renewal of sanctions against Russia by seven days, pushing the decision to Sept. 22. The bloc had been set to decide on extending sanctions against 2,600 primarily Russian entities and individuals by Sept. 15, but internal disagreements have stalled the process. Reports indicate that France is unexpectedly lobbying to remove Uzbek-Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov from the sanctions list, a move that reportedly surprised other European diplomats. France's efforts are reportedly linked to a potential deal with Azerbaijan to secure the release of several French citizens detained there, with the prisoner swap contingent on easing sanctions on Usmanov. France has cited an unspecified "security matter" for its request. Slovakia has also continued its advocacy for the delisting of both Usmanov and Russian tycoon Mikhail Fridman. Luxembourg has indicated that it would also seek Fridman's removal if Usmanov is delisted. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his evening address on Sept. 14, urged the EU against easing sanctions, stating that now is not the time to shield Russian oligarchs, as figures like Usmanov and Fridman have not yet taken steps against the war. Fridman is a co-founder of Alfa-Group, whose subsidiary reportedly provided insurance for Russian forces' vehicles in Ukraine. Usmanov, who made his fortune in metal and mining, was described as "one of Putin's favorite oligarchs" in the original EU sanctions decision in 2022. The extension of EU sanctions requires a unanimous vote from all member states.