EU Nations Push to Delist Russian Oligarch Usmanov in New Sanctions Bid

The European Union's sanctions regime, targeting individuals and entities linked to Russia's military-industrial complex and its invasion of Ukraine, faces increasing internal pressure as France has unexpectedly joined Slovakia in advocating for the delisting of Russian-Uzbek businessman Alisher Usmanov. This development has generated significant frustration among other EU countries, particularly given the escalating hybrid threats observed across Europe, including a recent attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport in Germany.

Slovakia has consistently pushed for the removal of Usmanov and fellow Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman from the EU's sanctions list, which was imposed following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Usmanov, an Uzbek-born Russian billionaire who amassed his fortune through investments in metals, mining, telecommunications, and technology, is widely considered close to the Kremlin, an association he denies. The French government's new stance, which sources suggest is largely motivated by economic reasons, has deepened the diplomatic rift within the bloc.

The EU sanctions regime currently encompasses over 3,000 individuals and entities and is due for its next renewal by September 15. While individual listings have historically been renewed every six months, a proposal for a 12-month renewal is now on the table, mirroring the shift already made for sectoral sanctions in July. This longer renewal cycle would provide greater stability but also intensifies the stakes of the upcoming discussions.

Slovakia has repeatedly opposed the renewal of sanctions, demanding both the delisting of Usmanov and Fridman and the retention of the six-month renewal timeframe. The critical aspect of EU sanctions is that they require unanimous approval for renewal, granting any single member state the power to veto an extension. Slovakia's long-standing opposition has already caused considerable tension, but France's new position is expected to further complicate the forthcoming negotiations.

Sources indicate that Paris presented its call for Usmanov's delisting as a potential political compromise, hoping it might encourage Slovakia to relent on its two delisting demands, something it had not done in previous renewals. EU ambassadors are scheduled to meet again soon to address the renewal, with intense pressure to reach a political agreement before the September 15 deadline. While a spokesperson for France's permanent representation to the EU confirmed support for the overall renewal of sanctions, they declined to comment on the specific confidential discussions surrounding individual listings.