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EU to Lift Sanctions on Russia-Linked Usmanov and Fridman, Diplomats Say
France and Slovakia are pushing to remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman as EU diplomats warn all 3,000 sanctions could lapse.
EU ambassadors failed to reach consensus on Monday to renew sanctions against nearly 3,000 Russian entities and individuals after France and Slovakia blocked the vote demanding delisting of specific oligarchs.
Sanctions are set to expire Tuesday, requiring unanimous approval from all 27 member states, yet France and Slovakia have stalled renewal by insisting on removal of billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
Paris has cited "national security" concerns for the request, which reports link to a potential prisoner release deal involving French nationals held in Azerbaijan, while Slovakia has advocated for the delistings for some time.
Following failed morning sessions, diplomats reconvened Monday afternoon with the "aim of finalizing agreement," though failure to secure unanimous support could cause the entire sanctions regime, including measures against Russian President Vladimir Putin, to lapse.
Ukraine's sanctions envoy Vladyslav Vlasiuk criticized the potential delistings, stating "delisting without a fundamental change in conduct sends exactly the wrong signal: pressure is temporary, accountability is negotiable.