'Not the time to shield Russian oligarchs,' Zelensky says as EU delays sanctions decision amid pressure from France
The EU now has until Sept. 22 to renew its sanctions on 2,600 Russian entities and individuals. Attempts to reach an extension agreement have been stalled by calls to remove Russian billionaires from the list.
The European Union has decided to delay its decision on extending sanctions against Russia, granting officials an additional seven days to reach an agreement. This extension was announced by the EU's Presidency of the Council on September 14. The sanctions, which target 2,600 primarily Russian entities and individuals, were initially set to expire on September 15. However, the delay has been influenced by calls to remove Russian oligarchs, particularly from the sanctions list.
The decision comes amid reports that France is lobbying to delist Uzbek-Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov. France is reportedly seeking to include this move as part of a prisoner swap deal with Azerbaijan, which involves the release of French citizens detained in Azerbaijan. The prisoner swap is contingent on all 27 EU member states agreeing to ease sanctions on Usmanov. France has not provided details on the prisoner release deal or its reasons for seeking Usmanov's removal.
Meanwhile, Slovakia is advocating for the delisting of both Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, one of Russia's wealthiest men. Luxembourg has also expressed a desire to remove Usmanov from the sanctions list if it is removed from the list. The EU spokesperson stated that the member states will have until midnight on September 22 to reach an agreement, providing additional time for a comprehensive examination of proposals for the renewal.
President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly urged Europe to continue holding Russian billionaires accountable during his evening address on September 14. He emphasized that it is not the time to lift sanctions, shield Russian oligarchs, or give Russia any gifts. Usmanov and Fridman, as well as other Russian figures, have not taken steps against the ongoing war.
Fridman is a co-founder of Alfa Group, a Russian conglomerate, and a member of Putin's inner circle. Alfa Insurance, a subsidiary of Alfa Group, has provided insurance for vehicles used by Russian forces in Ukraine, and has reportedly serviced the Main Office of Special Programs, responsible for guarding Putin.
As the extension of EU sanctions requires a unanimous vote, one member state holds the power to veto the renewal. The sanctions were last extended on March 14.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
