France joins Slovakia in asking to delist Russian oligarch Usmanov

France and Slovakia have joined forces to request the delisting of Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list, sparking "huge frustration" among other EU nations, according to four EU diplomats speaking to Euronews. Slovakia has been advocating for the removal of Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, another Russian oligarch, from the sanctions list targeting individuals close to Vladimir Putin's regime and the military-industrial complex supporting Ukraine's war.

However, Paris has now echoed Slovakia's call for Usmanov's delisting, who stands accused of having close ties with the Kremlin. Usmanov, an Uzbek-born Russian billionaire, amassed his wealth through investments in various sectors, including metals, mining, telecommunications, and technology. The French move has caused significant frustration among other member states, particularly in light of growing hybrid threats in Europe, such as the recent attempted drone attack on Leipzig airport in Germany.

EU diplomats suggest that Usmanov's delisting is driven primarily by economic motivations, rather than broader political concerns. The EU sanctions regime currently targets over 3,000 individuals and entities affiliated with Russia's military-industrial complex and its role in the Ukrainian invasion. The sanctions regime is set to be renewed on September 15, with member states under pressure to reach an agreement by that date.

While individual listings are currently renewed every six months, a 12-month renewal is being considered. Slovakia has consistently opposed the renewal of sanctions, urging both oligarchs to be delisted and the six-month timeframe to be maintained. EU ambassadors have repeatedly clashed over Slovakia's stance, which has already strained diplomatic relations.

Paris, however, presented Usmanov's delisting as a political compromise, hoping Slovakia would not abandon its calls for delisting in a bid to reach a deal before the September deadline. EU ambassadors are set to convene again on Monday to discuss the sanctions renewal, under intense pressure to achieve a political consensus before the September 15 deadline.