EU demands answers as France pushes for billionaire’s Russia sanctions release
Paris has joined Slovakia in calling for Alisher Usmanov to be removed from the bloc's blacklist.
The European Union is demanding explanations from France after the country pushed for the release of a Russian-Uzbek billionaire from the bloc's sanctions list. Ambassadors were unable to reach an agreement on Monday concerning the removal of mining and metals tycoon Alisher Usmanov from the sanctions blacklist during a closed-door meeting known as Coreper.
The European officials are giving Paris a week to provide assurances that the delisting won't lead to a fracturing of restrictions on Moscow. French officials have acknowledged that the move is due to a "specific national security issue" and a desire to respond positively to international partners seeking his release. However, EU diplomats remain skeptical about the move, given Russia's recent strikes on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure and threats to neighboring countries.
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