EU fails to agree Russia sanctions rollover with one day to spare

European Union capitals failed to agree on extending Russia sanctions on Monday, with ambassadors set to reconvene later in the day to reach a deal before the measures expire Tuesday. The sanctions regime, which governs the asset freezes of approximately 3,000 individuals and companies, is due to lapse on September 15, 2026. Slovakia has emerged as the primary obstacle, demanding that the bloc remove two Russian oligarchs, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from the sanctions list. France has reportedly attempted to broker a compromise by suggesting only Usmanov be delisted. However, most other capitals are reportedly unwilling to consider delisting anyone, particularly against the backdrop of escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets. One diplomat noted the difficulty in considering delisting amid rising hybrid threats and Russian drone attacks near the Polish border. Further complicating the negotiations is the duration of the extension, with discussions ongoing about whether to renew the measures for the customary six months or for a longer 12-month period, a duration to which Slovakia is understood to be unwilling to agree.