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● TRACKER Updated 2d ago · 36 sources tracked

France and Slovakia's threat to scupper 3,000 EU sanctions to protect two Russian oligarchs gathers steam

The European Union has adopted its largest-ever set of sanctions designations against Russia. This follows tensions where France and Slovakia threatened to block 3,000 measures to protect oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov. While the broader package is now in place, France is simultaneously urging the EU to target Russian officials responsible for disinformation and foreign interference campaigns in Congo and Cameroon. The UK has complemented these EU moves by implementing new sanctions on Russian oil and gas producers, crypto platforms, and shadow fleet tankers.

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  • ✓ The EU adopted its largest-ever set of designations relating to Russia.
  • ✓ The UK implemented new sanctions targeting Russian oil and gas producers, shadow fleet tankers, payment and crypto platforms, and third-country suppliers.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 36 independent reporting domains (80% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

The EU has officially adopted its largest-ever sanctions designations while France seeks new targets in Africa.

Live updates

  1. EU adopts record Russian sanctions as France pushes for Africa-focused targets

    The European Union has adopted its largest-ever set of sanctions designations against Russia. This follows tensions where France and Slovakia threatened to block 3,000 measures to protect oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov. While the broader package is now in place, France is simultaneously urging the EU to target Russian officials responsible for disinformation and foreign interference campaigns in Congo and Cameroon. The UK has complemented these EU moves by implementing new sanctions on Russian oil and gas producers, crypto platforms, and shadow fleet tankers.

    Why it matters

    Sanctions are a primary tool for the EU to pressure Russia's economy and leadership. The friction between member states over specific oligarchs highlights the difficulty of maintaining a unified front. These measures target the financial infrastructure and energy exports that fund Russian operations.

    What is confirmed

    • The EU adopted its largest-ever set of designations relating to Russia.
    • The UK implemented new sanctions targeting Russian oil and gas producers, shadow fleet tankers, payment and crypto platforms, and third-country suppliers.

    Still unconfirmed

    • France and Slovakia threatened to block 3,000 EU sanctions to protect Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov.

    What to watch next

    • EU decision on French requests for sanctions against officials in Cameroon and Congo
    • Evidence of Russian assets being unfrozen via Euroclear and Raiffeisen Bank loopholes
    Sources used for this update (8)
    1. www.opensanctions.org — OpenSanctions: The open database of sanctions, PEPs and ...
    2. en.wikipedia.org — Tourism in France - Wikipedia
    3. www.france24.com — France : News et actualité en continu - France 24
    4. www.france24.com — France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and...
    5. www.jbanc.org — EU Sanctions on Russia: A Controversial Compromise
    6. www.skadden.com — EU Adopts Record Russia Sanctions Designations as UK Targets ...
    7. www.voiceofemirates.com — France calls on the European Union to impose sanctions on ...
    8. sanctions-intelligence.com — Chronology and latest sanctions updates [preview]
    confidence 80%

  2. France and Slovakia threaten EU sanctions block over Russian oligarchs

    France and Slovakia are threatening to block 3,000 EU sanctions to protect Russian oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov. While Germany seeks Slovakian solidarity and the UK opposes delisting the men, EU officials do not expect them to be targeted again immediately. This friction occurs as EU foreign ministers meet in Luxembourg to adopt a sanctions package targeting more than 1,600 entities. Meanwhile, reports suggest Russia is utilizing an EU loophole to unfreeze assets held by Euroclear and Raiffeisen Bank.

    Why it matters

    The EU requires consensus among member states to implement sanctions, meaning a few countries can stall large packages. The current dispute highlights internal divisions over how to treat high-profile Russian financiers.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Russia used an EU sanctions loophole to unfreeze $3 billion in assets held by Euroclear
    • Austria's Raiffeisen Bank may execute a similar maneuver to unfreeze assets
    • France and Slovakia are threatening to block 3,000 EU sanctions to protect Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov
    • Germany is urging Slovakia to show solidarity regarding the sanctions
    • The UK opposes the delisting of Fridman and Usmanov
    • EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg to adopt a sanctions package targeting over 1,600 entities

    What to watch next

    • The outcome of the EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg
    • Confirmation of Raiffeisen Bank asset transfers
    • Official EU response to the Euroclear loophole reports
    Sources used for this update (2)
    1. globalsanctions.com — Global Sanctions News
    2. kyivindependent.com — The EU loophole Russia is using to free its oligarchs from ...
    confidence 70%

  3. France and Slovakia threaten EU sanctions over Russian oligarchs

    France and Slovakia are threatening to block 3,000 EU sanctions to protect Russian oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov. While the EU prepares new sanctions listings, officials do not expect the two men to be targeted again soon. Germany is urging Slovakia to show solidarity, but the UK opposes delisting the oligarchs. This tension coincides with EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg to adopt a record sanctions package targeting over 1,600 entities.

    Why it matters

    EU sanctions require member state consensus, meaning a few countries can stall broad packages. The dispute over Fridman and Usmanov highlights internal fractures regarding how to treat specific Russian elites.

    What is confirmed

    • France and Slovakia are threatening to block 3,000 EU sanctions to protect Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov.
    • Germany is pressing Slovakia for solidarity regarding the sanctions.
    • The UK opposes delisting Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov.
    • EU foreign ministers met in Luxembourg to adopt a sanctions package targeting over 1,600 entities.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Lawmaker Franz Fayot claims Luxembourg's move to delist Mikhail Fridman set a dangerous precedent.

    What to watch next

    • The outcome of the EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg
    • Whether the UK changes its position on delisting the two oligarchs
    Sources used for this update (3)
    1. www.politico.eu — Russia sanctions - POLITICO
    2. kyivindependent.com — Luxembourg's excuse for de-listing Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman fails to convince
    3. streamlinefeed.co.ke — EU Foreign Ministers Convene to Adopt Record Sanctions ...
    confidence 90%

  4. EU sanctions on Russian oligarchs Fridman and Usmanov face resistance

    France and Slovakia are threatening to block 3,000 EU sanctions to protect Russian oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov. The EU is working on new sanctions listings but does not expect Fridman and Usmanov to be sanctioned again soon. Germany is pressing Slovakia for solidarity while the UK remains opposed to delisting the two oligarchs.

    Why it matters

    The current impasse threatens the implementation of broader EU measures against Russia. The EU has been imposing sanctions on Russia in response to the ongoing conflict. The sanctions aim to pressure Russia to change its behavior.

    What is confirmed

    • The EU is working on about 1,600 new sanctions listings.
    • Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman will not return to the EU sanctions list anytime soon.
    • The EU has agreed to impose new sanctions on a record number of supporters of Russia's war effort, targeting nearly 1,600 individuals, companies and other organizations.

    Still unconfirmed

    • France and Slovakia's threat to block 3,000 EU sanctions

    What to watch next

    • Germany's diplomatic efforts to persuade Slovakia to support the sanctions
    • The UK's stance on delisting Fridman and Usmanov
    • The EU's decision on extending sanctions for Russia-linked hybrid threats to 2027
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. newsukraine.rbc.ua — EU says sanctions against Russia's oligarchs Usmanov and ...
    2. www.yahoo.com — EU has no plans to reinstate sanctions against Russian ...
    3. kyivindependent.com — EU ambassadors wave through largest-ever list of Russia sanctions
    4. www.brusselstimes.com — EU extends sanctions for Russia-linked hybrid threats to 2027
    5. www.yahoo.com — EU imposes sanctions on 1,600 supporters of Russia's war effort
    confidence 85%

  5. France and Slovakia deadlock 3,000 EU sanctions over Russian oligarchs

    France and Slovakia are threatening to block 3,000 European Union sanctions to protect Russian oligarchs Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov. This stalemate follows Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico's use of his veto to stop a proposed sanctions package targeting Russian liquefied natural gas. While Germany is pressing Slovakia for greater solidarity, the UK remains opposed to delisting the two oligarchs. The current impasse threatens the implementation of broader EU measures against Viktor Yanukovych and Vladimir Putin.

    Why it matters

    The European Union requires consensus for certain sanctions packages, allowing individual member states to block collective action. This deadlock highlights internal divisions over how to penalize Russian leadership and wealthy elites while balancing national interests.

    What to watch next

    • Whether Slovakia lifts its veto on liquefied natural gas sanctions
    • The outcome of Germany's diplomatic efforts to secure Slovakian solidarity
    • Decisions by France and Slovakia regarding the delisting of Fridman and Usmanov
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. en.wikipedia.org — History of France - Wikipedia
    2. simple.wikipedia.org — France - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
    3. www.countryreports.org — France — Facts, Capital, Population, Flag & Profile
    4. www.worldatlas.com — France Maps & Facts - World Atlas
    confidence 80%

  6. Slovakia and Austria block EU sanctions package as oligarch dispute persists

    Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has used his veto power to block a proposed European Union sanctions package targeting Russian liquefied natural gas. This development adds to an existing deadlock involving France and Slovakia, who have threatened to block 3,000 sanctions to protect oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. While the UK continues to oppose delisting the oligarchs, the current stalemate jeopardizes broader measures against Vladimir Putin and Viktor Yanukovych. Germany is currently urging Slovakia to show more solidarity regarding EU measures against Russia.

    Why it matters

    EU sanctions require consensus, meaning a single member state can halt entire packages. The current dispute links specific demands for oligarch delisting with broader energy sanctions. This friction tests the unity of the bloc's response to the war in Ukraine.

    What is confirmed

    • Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico invoked his veto power to block a proposed EU sanctions package.
    • The blocked sanctions package targets Russian liquefied natural gas.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Austria is a main obstacle preventing the new round of EU sanctions against Russia.
    • German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called on Slovakia to be more supportive of EU measures targeting Russia.

    What to watch next

    • The outcome of the upcoming EU summit regarding the sanctions package.
    • Whether France and Slovakia maintain their threat to block 3,000 sanctions over Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
    Sources used for this update (10)
    1. en.wikipedia.org — France - Wikipedia
    2. fr.wikipedia.org — France — Wikipédia
    3. ontheworldmap.com — France Map | Discover France with Detailed Maps
    4. www.france.fr — France.fr : Explore France and its wonders - Explore France
    5. www.geocountries.com — France – Country Profile: Population, Area, Currency & Key Facts
    6. cde.news — Slovakia and Austria Block EU Sanctions Deal on Russia
    7. www.yahoo.com — Germany urges Slovakia for more solidarity on Russian sanctions
    8. www.globalbankingandfinance.com — German Diplomat Calls Russian Threat to Europe Irresponsible ...
    9. www.franceinfo.fr — franceinfo - Actualités en temps réel et info en direct
    10. www.earthsattractions.com — 100 Best Places to Visit in France – Ultimate France Travel Guide
    confidence 80%

  7. France and Slovakia's threat to block 3,000 EU sanctions

    The EU is deadlocked over delisting Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, with France and Slovakia threatening to block 3,000 EU sanctions. The UK opposes delisting the two oligarchs, urging continued sanctions against Russia. The standoff jeopardizes broader sanctions packages, including those against Vladimir Putin and former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

    Why it matters

    The EU has imposed sanctions on Russia since March 2014 in response to the annexation of Crimea and destabilization of Ukraine. The current dispute over delisting Usmanov and Fridman has already impacted the EU's ability to extend sanctions against key Russian targets. The situation remains unresolved, with compromise options being explored.

    What is confirmed

    • The EU agreed to remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the sanctions list on September 22.
    • The UK opposes delisting the two Russian oligarchs, urging continued sanctions against Russia.
    • Estonia is imposing national sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman, who were removed from the EU's sanctions list.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Russian oligarchs are studying how Usmanov and Fridman got off the European Union's sanctions list.

    What to watch next

    • The EU's decision on extending sanctions against Vladimir Putin and former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych
    • The outcome of compromise talks between France, Slovakia, and other EU members
    • Estonia's implementation of national sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman
    Sources used for this update (7)
    1. www.yahoo.com — UK opposes EU delisting of 2 Russian oligarchs, calls for ...
    2. meduza.io — The EU lifted sanctions on Russian billionaires Alisher ...
    3. kyivindependent.com — UK opposes EU delisting of 2 Russian oligarchs, calls for ...
    4. newsukraine.rbc.ua — Usmanov, Fridman off sanctions list, other Russian ...
    5. finance.ec.europa.eu — Sanctions adopted following Russia’s military aggression ...
    6. adalytica.com — EU sanctions on Russian oligarchs face scrutiny | Adalytica
    7. www.ukrinform.net — Estonia imposes its own sanctions on two Russian oligarchs ...
    confidence 90%

  8. France and Slovakia threaten 3,000 EU sanctions over Russian oligarchs

    France and Slovakia are threatening to block 3,000 EU sanctions to protect two Russian oligarchs. The EU is currently deadlocked over a French request to delist tycoon Alisher Usmanov, though officials are exploring compromise options to break the impasse. This dispute has already contributed to EU ambassadors failing to extend sanctions against Vladimir Putin and former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. While the EU nears a potential deal to resolve the French request, the standoff continues to jeopardize broader sanctions packages.

    Why it matters

    EU sanctions require unanimity among member states, meaning a single country can veto the extension of measures. This mechanism allows individual nations to leverage broad sanctions lists to achieve specific policy goals or protect individual interests.

    What is confirmed

    • France and Slovakia have threatened to scupper 3,000 EU sanctions to protect two Russian oligarchs.
    • The EU is deadlocked over a French bid to remove Russian tycoon Alisher Usmanov from the sanctions list.
    • EU ambassadors failed to extend sanctions against Vladimir Putin and former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Azerbaijan denies lobbying France to lift sanctions from Alisher Usmanov.

    What to watch next

    • The outcome of EU compromise negotiations regarding Usmanov's status
    • The formal vote on the extension of sanctions against Vladimir Putin
    Sources used for this update (7)
    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. Українська правда — EU ambassadors once again fail to extend sanctions against Putin and Ukraine’s ex-president Yanukovych
    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. Financial Times — EU mulls compromise options on Usmanov sanctions to end French stand-off
    7. OC Media — Azerbaijan denies lobbying France to lift sanctions from Russian oligarch Usmanov
    confidence 90%
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