France Pushes EU to Lift Usmanov Sanctions for Detained Citizens

France is pushing European Union member states to lift sanctions on Uzbek-Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov as part of a diplomatic effort to secure the release of several French citizens detained in Azerbaijan, according to the Financial Times. The proposed arrangement has stalled EU efforts to renew sanctions against approximately 2,600 individuals and entities imposed in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. As a compromise, EU nations agreed to extend the sanctions regime by just one week to allow further negotiations.

Stalled Renewal and EU Divisions

Earlier on Monday, France and Slovakia vetoed a full 12-month renewal of the sanctions as long as Usmanov remains on the blacklist. Had agreement not been reached, sanctions targeting other Russian figures and companies would have expired. The French request surprised diplomats across the bloc, with one official describing the move as astonishing.

This means that not only does Russia get a reward, but people are also rewarded for detaining Europeans, a senior European diplomat said.

Broader Implications for Sanctions Policy

While Western nations have previously engaged in prisoner exchanges with Russia, tying sanctions relief directly to prisoner releases involving a third country marks a novel precedent. Luxembourg indicated that if Usmanov is removed, it will demand the removal of Russian billionaire Mikhail Fridman as well. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged EU partners not to grant concessions to oligarchs supporting Vladimir Putin's administration.