EU ambassadors fail to agree on extending Russia-linked personal sanctions as Slovakia and France push for delistings
EU ambassadors failed on Friday to agree on extending personal sanctions against Russians linked to the invasion of Ukraine. Slovakia blocked the extension and demanded the removal of businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the list, while France backed Slovakia's call to delist Usmanov. The issue is due back on the table on Monday, September 14, one day before the current restrictions expire on September 15.
Key points
- EU ambassadors failed at a Friday meeting to extend personal sanctions on Russians linked to the invasion of Ukraine.
- Slovakia blocked the extension and is pushing to remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the list.
- France joined the push but insists only on the removal of Usmanov.
- Extending the sanctions requires unanimous agreement from all EU member states.
- Ambassadors are due to meet again on Monday, September 14, ahead of the September 15 expiry deadline.
- A possible shift from a six-month to a 12-month renewal cycle is also under discussion.
- Usmanov has been under EU sanctions since 2022; the EU considers him close to the Russian authorities.
Why it matters
Because the personal sanctions were due to expire on September 15, a failure to extend them could allow listed individuals to escape asset freezes and travel bans. The deadlock exposes internal EU divisions, with Slovakia and France pursuing targeted national objections — Slovakia wants Usmanov and Fridman off the list and opposes a move to a 12-month renewal cycle, while France is backing Slovakia's Usmanov demand. A possible compromise could see Usmanov delisted in exchange for Slovakia's agreement to keep the broader regime in place.
What happened
EU ambassadors met on Friday, September 11, to consider extending personal sanctions against individuals and organizations linked to the Russian regime and its military-industrial complex, but failed to reach agreement. Slovakia blocked the extension, demanding the removal of Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the list and insisting on keeping the six-month review cycle rather than moving to 12 months. France also objected to parts of the list, backing Slovakia's demand that Usmanov be delisted. According to Euronews sources, France's position drew dissatisfaction from other EU member states, with one diplomat questioning Paris's motives and citing possible economic interests. A representative of France's Permanent Representation to the EU said Paris supports extending the sanctions regime but declined to comment on individual names, citing the confidentiality of the negotiations. The issue is set to return to ambassadors on Monday, September 14, one day before the current restrictions expire on September 15. Extending the sanctions requires unanimity among EU member states.
Background
The previous round of EU personal sanctions against Russians linked to the invasion was extended on March 14 for six months. During that round, Slovakia also sought to remove Usmanov and Fridman from the list but ultimately compromised. Usmanov has been under EU sanctions since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and is considered by the EU to be close to the Russian authorities; his fortune was built on investments in metallurgy, mining, telecommunications and technology. A superyacht linked to Usmanov is no longer under EU sanctions. France's Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs told Ukrinform it would comment on the matter later.