https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/france-in-astonishing-push-to-lift-eu-sanctions-on-russian-oligarchContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/france-in-astonishing-push-to-lift-eu-sanctions-on-russian-oligarchhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/france-in-astonishing-push-to-lift-eu-sanctions-on-russian-oligarch#u69872Wed, 16 Sep 2026 06:01:54 +0000EU envoys extended Russia sanctions by seven days to debate a six-month renewal after failing to reach an agreement before the deadline. The delay follows an effort by France to remove Russian tycoon Alisher Usmanov from the sanctions list. France intends to use the delisting to secure the release of French nationals currently held in Azerbaijan. President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the move, stating it is not the time to shield Russian oligarchs.Why it mattersThe EU requires consensus among member states to rollover sanctions packages. France's push to lift restrictions on a specific