France’s stance threatens continuation of EU sanctions against Russia, - Politico
France’s position on removing certain Russian businessmen from the sanctions list could jeopardize the extension of the European Union’s personal sanctions against nearly 3,000 individuals and entities linked to Russia.
According to Censor.NET, Politico reported this.
On September 21, ambassadors from EU member states met to discuss the extension of sanctions. The countries must reach unanimity, as targeted sanctions require the support of all 27 member states.
The sanctions were originally set to expire on September 15, but due to a lack of consensus, their extension was postponed by seven days—until September 22.
According to Politico, France and Slovakia are insisting on the removal of certain Russian citizens from the list. One of the key issues has been the possible lifting of sanctions against Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov.
France is pushing for Usmanov’s removal
As reported by European diplomats, France is advocating for the lifting of sanctions against Usmanov, citing national security concerns and pressure from international partners. Reuters reported that one of the factors in this situation may be Azerbaijan’s detention of two French citizens.
The French Foreign Ministry had previously declined to disclose details regarding the reasons why Paris supports Usmanov’s removal from the sanctions list.
At the same time, Usmanov himself is challenging the sanctions in European courts, claiming that they are based on inaccurate information.
Which sanctions may be lifted
The decision concerns EU sanctions against individuals and legal entities responsible for actions that undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.
According to the Council of the EU, this sanctions regime includes nearly 3,000 individuals and organizations. The restrictions include, in particular, a ban on entry into the EU, an asset freeze, and a prohibition on providing funds or economic resources to sanctioned individuals.
At the same time, other EU sanctions regimes against Russia have separate expiration dates. In particular, the economic restrictions imposed due to the destabilization of the situation in Ukraine have been extended until July 31, 2027.
