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France blocks E.U. sanctions on Russia in push to spare oligarch Usmanov

The European Union has renewed sanctions against Russia but removed oligarch Alisher Usmanov from the list following a request from France. This decision comes as a deadline for sanctions renewal approached. While the EU is lifting sanctions on two Russian oligarchs, the move faces internal opposition. The Latvian Prime Minister has specifically opposed a deal to lift sanctions on both Usmanov and billionaire Petr Fridman.

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  • ✓ The EU renewed sanctions against Russia but removed Alisher Usmanov at the request of France.
  • ✓ The EU is lifting sanctions on two Russian oligarchs.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 5 independent reporting domains (80% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

France successfully blocked broader sanctions to ensure Alisher Usmanov was removed from the EU list.

Live updates

  1. France secures removal of Alisher Usmanov from EU sanctions list

    The European Union has renewed sanctions against Russia but removed oligarch Alisher Usmanov from the list following a request from France. This decision comes as a deadline for sanctions renewal approached. While the EU is lifting sanctions on two Russian oligarchs, the move faces internal opposition. The Latvian Prime Minister has specifically opposed a deal to lift sanctions on both Usmanov and billionaire Petr Fridman.

    Why it matters

    EU sanctions target Russian elites to pressure the Kremlin. Member states must agree on the lists to maintain a unified economic front. France's intervention disrupts this consensus by protecting specific individuals.

    What is confirmed

    • The EU renewed sanctions against Russia but removed Alisher Usmanov at the request of France.
    • The EU is lifting sanctions on two Russian oligarchs.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The Latvian Prime Minister opposes a deal to lift sanctions on Alisher Usmanov and Petr Fridman.
    • France blocked EU sanctions specifically to spare Usmanov.

    What to watch next

    • Confirmation of whether Petr Fridman is the second oligarch removed from the list
    • Official response from the Latvian government regarding the final sanctions package
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. Reuters — Latvian PM opposes deal to lift sanctions on Russia-linked billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
    2. The Washington Post — France blocks E.U. sanctions on Russia in push to spare oligarch Usmanov
    3. Financial Times — EU to lift sanctions on two Russian oligarchs
    4. The Guardian — EU removes oligarchs from Russia sanctions list as deadline looms
    5. Euronews.com — EU renews Russia sanctions but removes Usmanov at France's request
    confidence 80%
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