Oligarchs Usmanov and Friedman blocked the extension of EU sanctions against Russia
During a meeting in Brussels, European Union member states failed to agree on extending sanctions against Russia. They were unable to reach a consensus due to differences over the stance toward two Russian oligarchs—Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Friedman.
The anti-Russian sanctions are set to expire tomorrow.
The sanctions regime, which freezes the assets of approximately 3,000 individuals and entities from Russia, expires on Tuesday, September 15. To renew the restrictions, ambassadors from all member states needed to reach a consensus.
Slovakia demanded that two Russian oligarchs—Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Friedman—be removed from the list. In response, France proposed a compromise that would lift sanctions only on Usmanov. A French diplomat explained this initiative as a matter of national security and a response to requests from international partners.
Most diplomats from other European capitals strongly opposed any exceptions. They emphasized that lifting the restrictions is unacceptable given Russia’s record-breaking missile strikes on civilian targets in Ukraine and the growing hybrid threats near NATO’s borders.
In addition to the personal sanctions lists, disputes have also arisen regarding the duration of the sanctions. The EU is discussing the possibility of extending the restrictions for 12 months at once, while Slovakia supports only the standard six-month term that has been in effect since 2014.
Due to the lack of a common position, EU ambassadors will meet again today to try to find a solution before the sanctions regime expires.
This was reported by Politico.
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