Key facts
- France is pushing for the removal of Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list.
- France cited national security considerations and positive responses to international partners for its stance.
- EU ambassadors failed to agree on renewing sanctions listings, extending the deadline to September 22.
- Other EU member states are concerned that delisting Usmanov could set a precedent and undermine the bloc's sanctions against Russia.
- Usmanov was sanctioned in 2022 for allegedly providing material support to Russia's war in Ukraine.
- France believes Azerbaijan, which holds two French nationals, is using Usmanov to pressure Paris.
France has been urging the European Union to lift sanctions on Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov, citing national security considerations and pressure from Azerbaijan, which is holding two French nationals. EU ambassadors failed to agree on renewing the sanctions listings on Monday, extending the deadline for a decision to September 22.
Diplomats familiar with the matter said France indicated in private that Baku was using Usmanov to "blackmail" it over the case of the two French citizens held in Azerbaijan, one of whom Paris says is being held arbitrarily. France believes this move by Azerbaijan is supported by Qatar and Kazakhstan.
Usmanov, a metals and mining mogul, was sanctioned by the EU, U.S., U.K., and Kyiv in 2022 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He has launched lawsuits to have the sanctions lifted, contesting the grounds for their imposition. Several other regional leaders and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan have also previously called for Usmanov's removal from the EU sanctions list.
France's push has raised concerns among other EU member states, who fear it could set a precedent and undermine the bloc's unified sanctions policy against Russia. The EU sanctions, which include asset freezes and travel bans, target nearly 3,000 individuals and companies and were due to expire on September 15.