https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/france-blocks-e-u-sanctions-on-russia-in-push-to-spare-oligarch-usmanovContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/france-blocks-e-u-sanctions-on-russia-in-push-to-spare-oligarch-usmanovhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/france-blocks-e-u-sanctions-on-russia-in-push-to-spare-oligarch-usmanov#u82272Thu, 24 Sep 2026 06:00:31 +0000The 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 mattersEU sanctions target Russian elites to pressure the Kremlin. Member states must agree on the lists to maintain a unified economic front. France's interventi