European Union member states are locked in tense diplomatic negotiations in Brussels to renew sanctions on nearly 3,000 Russian individuals and entities, according to diplomatic sources. The talks hit a late hurdle when Latvia raised an objection over a proposed compromise that would remove Russian metals magnate Alisher Usmanov and banking entrepreneur Mikhail Fridman from the bloc’s sanctions blacklist, as reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The Push to Delist Russian Oligarchs
France and Slovakia led an internal push to strip Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list, according to diplomatic briefings cited by AFP. French officials justified the move by citing national security reasons, though they declined to provide public details. According to the Financial Times, the French request may be linked to a potential prisoner exchange involving French citizens detained in Azerbaijan.
Luxembourg quickly seized on the French maneuver. Luxembourg insisted that if sanctions were lifted against Usmanov, they must also be lifted for Mikhail Fridman. Fridman has mounted a legal challenge against Luxembourg, demanding 15,000 million euros (17,000 million dollars) in damages over the EU restrictions.
Hardline Member States Push Back
Poland and the Baltic states strongly opposed any relief for the targeted businessmen, arguing that the bloc must increase economic pressure on Moscow rather than ease it. To overcome resistance and secure a provisional agreement, member states had agreed to extend the overall Russian sanctions regime for three years instead of the usual six-month renewals. Despite this compromise, Latvia’s last-minute objection blocked final approval ahead of the Tuesday expiration deadline.
Did you know? The EU sanctions list includes top Russian leadership, such as President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Political Repercussions and Official Stances
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiga condemned the potential removal of the businessmen, stating that pulling individuals off the blacklist is unacceptable and sends the wrong signal to Moscow when pressure needs to escalate. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, urged member states during the United Nations General Assembly in New York to maintain a unified front. Kallas emphasized that sanctions remain a central pillar of the European response to the war to choke off Kremlin funding.
Both Usmanov and Fridman landed on the EU blacklist shortly after the 2022 invasion due to accusations that their enterprises generate substantial revenue for the Russian state. Negotiations are scheduled to resume in Brussels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are EU countries debating the sanctions list?
France and Slovakia pushed to remove Alisher Usmanov for national security reasons, while Luxembourg demanded the removal of Mikhail Fridman. Hardline nations like Poland and the Baltics strongly opposed the concessions.
What is the current status of the sanctions renewal?
A provisional agreement was reached to extend EU sanctions against nearly 3,000 Russian targets for three years, but final approval stalled after a late objection from Latvia.
How do Usmanov and Fridman respond to the blacklisting?
Both magnates have launched legal challenges against the European Union over the restrictions tied to the war in Ukraine.
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