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EU sanctions U-turn: France and Slovakia force bloc to delist two Russian oligarchs

The European Union is nearing a deal to lift sanctions on Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Petr Fridman. This move follows a deadlock caused by France and Slovakia, who threatened to block 3,000 other EU sanctions unless the two tycoons were removed from the list. While EU envoys were initially split on the request, diplomats now indicate the bloc is moving toward a resolution to break the impasse.

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⚡ Key Developments & Real-Time Context
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  • ✓ France requested the delisting of Alisher Usmanov.
  • ✓ EU envoys were split over the sanctions impasse.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 5 independent reporting domains (70% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

EU countries are moving toward a deal to delist Usmanov and Fridman to resolve a diplomatic deadlock.

Live updates

  1. EU moves to delist Russian oligarchs after France and Slovakia block sanctions

    The European Union is nearing a deal to lift sanctions on Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Petr Fridman. This move follows a deadlock caused by France and Slovakia, who threatened to block 3,000 other EU sanctions unless the two tycoons were removed from the list. While EU envoys were initially split on the request, diplomats now indicate the bloc is moving toward a resolution to break the impasse.

    Why it matters

    EU sanctions require consensus among member states. A veto by a single country can freeze thousands of existing or proposed restrictions. This dispute highlights the internal friction within the bloc regarding the enforcement of penalties against Russian elites.

    What is confirmed

    • France requested the delisting of Alisher Usmanov.
    • EU envoys were split over the sanctions impasse.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The EU will lift sanctions on both Usmanov and Fridman.

    What to watch next

    • Official EU confirmation of the delisting of Usmanov and Fridman.
    • The finalization of the 3,000 pending EU sanctions.
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. The Kyiv Independent — France and Slovakia's threat to scupper 3,000 EU sanctions to protect two Russian oligarchs gathers steam
    2. Euronews.com — EU nears deal to break impasse over French request to delist Usmanov
    3. politico.eu — EU deadlocked over France’s bid to take Russian tycoon off sanctions list
    4. Kyiv Post — Putin Sanctions Hang in Balance as EU Envoys Split
    5. Reuters — EU to lift sanctions on Russia-linked Usmanov and Fridman, diplomats say
    6. politico.eu — EU countries move toward Russia sanctions deal
    confidence 70%
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