EU ambassadors have postponed a decision on renewing Russia sanctions until September 22 as France advocates for the removal of billionaire Alisher Usmanov from the blacklist.

European Union ambassadors failed to reach an agreement on Monday regarding the renewal of sanctions against Russia, leading to a one-week delay until September 22. The impasse centers on a push by France, supported by Slovakia, to remove Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov from the EU's sanctions list. Diplomats expressed concerns that delisting the tycoon could set a precedent that undermines the bloc's broader restrictive measures against Moscow.

Diplomatic Tensions and Security Concerns

EU officials have requested that France provide safeguards to ensure that delisting Usmanov does not trigger a wave of similar requests for other sanctioned individuals. While Paris initially framed its position as a concession to Slovakia, French officials have since cited national security interests and the need to respond to international partners. Reports suggest this may involve efforts to secure the release of French nationals currently detained in Azerbaijan, an ally of Uzbekistan.

Opposition to the Proposal

The French proposal has met with skepticism from other member states, particularly as Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine. Critics, including Dutch MEP Thijs Reuten, warned against sending a message that oligarchs can use hostages to secure their removal from sanctions lists. Diplomats noted that France, as a leading EU power, is being held to a higher standard regarding its role in maintaining the integrity of the sanctions regime.