Key facts
- EU sanctions against Russia-linked individuals are set for renewal on September 21.
- Slovakia and France are pushing to delist oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov.
- France's involvement has complicated efforts to reach a compromise among EU member states.
- President Zelensky stated it is not the time to lift sanctions on Russian oligarchs.
- Mikhail Fridman is a co-founder of Alfa-Group, whose subsidiary reportedly insured vehicles used by Russian forces in Ukraine.
- Alisher Usmanov made his fortune in metal and mining and was described as 'one of Putin's favorite oligarchs' in the original 2022 sanctions decision.
- France's support for delisting Usmanov is reportedly linked to Azerbaijan's detention of two French nationals.
- Azerbaijan confirmed it wants Usmanov delisted but denied influencing decision-making.
The European Union faces a critical deadline on September 21, with the potential expiration of all 3,000 sanctions against individuals supporting Russia's war in Ukraine if a compromise cannot be reached. The renewal of these sanctions, which account for about half of the EU's total listings, was expected to be a formality given Russia's continued actions in Ukraine.
However, Slovakia initiated a move to delist two oligarchs, Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov, a push that gained a second supporter in France. This development has complicated negotiations, as any sanctions decision requires unanimous consent from all EU member states. President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly criticized the potential lifting of sanctions on the two men, stating it is not the appropriate time.
Reports suggest France's involvement is tied to Azerbaijan's detention of two French nationals, with Paris allegedly seeking Usmanov's delisting as a condition for their release. While an Azeri diplomat confirmed a desire for Usmanov's delisting, they denied attempting to influence decision-making. The French government has remained silent on the detention of its citizens in Azerbaijan.
Multi-hour meetings of EU ambassadors have so far failed to yield progress, with 25 EU countries reportedly opposing the delisting of Usmanov and Fridman. The prospect of all sanctions expiring is considered unthinkable by many, though some suggest a six-month extension as a potential compromise, which risks delaying the issue further. Many expect France to eventually drop its demand and pursue other avenues for the release of its citizens.