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● LIVE Updated 2h ago · 12 sources tracked

EU nears deal to break impasse over French request to delist Usmanov

European Union member states are deadlocked over a French proposal to remove Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Petr Fridman from the EU sanctions list. While some diplomats suggest a deal to lift these sanctions is nearing, Latvia has blocked the move. The Latvian Prime Minister explicitly opposes the delisting, creating a stalemate that threatens the renewal of the broader EU Russia blacklist. This impasse puts approximately 3,000 existing sanctions at risk if a consensus cannot be reached.

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⚡ Key Developments & Real-Time Context
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  • ✓ France requested the removal of Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list.
  • ✓ Latvia opposes the deal to lift sanctions on Alisher Usmanov and Petr Fridman.
  • ✓ EU member states are deadlocked over changes to Russia sanctions.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 12 independent reporting domains (85% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Latvia has formally blocked the deal to remove Usmanov and Fridman from the sanctions list.

Live updates

  1. EU Divided Over French Request to Delist Russian Oligarchs

    European Union member states are deadlocked over a French proposal to remove Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Petr Fridman from the EU sanctions list. While some diplomats suggest a deal to lift these sanctions is nearing, Latvia has blocked the move. The Latvian Prime Minister explicitly opposes the delisting, creating a stalemate that threatens the renewal of the broader EU Russia blacklist. This impasse puts approximately 3,000 existing sanctions at risk if a consensus cannot be reached.

    Why it matters

    EU sanctions require unanimous agreement among all member states to be implemented or altered. France and Slovakia have pushed for the removal of specific individuals, which critics argue undermines the bloc's unified front against Moscow. Ukraine has warned that weakening these measures benefits Russia.

    What is confirmed

    • France requested the removal of Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list.
    • Latvia opposes the deal to lift sanctions on Alisher Usmanov and Petr Fridman.
    • EU member states are deadlocked over changes to Russia sanctions.

    Still unconfirmed

    • France and Slovakia threatened to scupper 3,000 EU sanctions to protect two Russian oligarchs.
    • EU envoys are split over Putin sanctions.

    What to watch next

    • Whether Latvia maintains its veto on the delisting of Usmanov and Fridman.
    • The final decision on the renewal of the EU Russia blacklist.
    Sources used for this update (16)
    1. France 24 — Live: Russia says it hit Ukrainian cargo vessels, Izmail port and logistics centre
    2. The Kyiv Independent — France and Slovakia's threat to scupper 3,000 EU sanctions to protect two Russian oligarchs gathers steam
    3. Euronews.com — EU nears deal to break impasse over French request to delist Usmanov
    4. politico.eu — EU deadlocked over France’s bid to take Russian tycoon off sanctions list
    5. Kyiv Post — Putin Sanctions Hang in Balance as EU Envoys Split
    6. Reuters — EU to lift sanctions on Russia-linked Usmanov and Fridman, diplomats say
    7. politico.eu — EU countries move toward Russia sanctions deal
    8. rferl.org — EU Reportedly Set To Remove Sanctions On Russian Oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman
    9. Yahoo — EU to lift sanctions against Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman
    10. euractiv.com — Latvia blocks deal to renew EU’s Russia blacklist
    11. UNITED24 Media — Weakening EU Sanctions Plays Into Russia’s Hands, Top Ukrainian Official Warns
    12. Euronews.com — Latvia blocks deal to remove Usmanov from EU sanctions list
    confidence 85%
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