EU nears deal to break impasse over French request to delist Usmanov

The European Union is on the brink of a deal to strip Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Petr Fridman of sanctions, a move that follows two earlier failed votes on the same issue. France’s request for delisting sparked the impasse that stalled the process. The proposal comes after two prior votes in which the council could not secure the necessary unanimity.

France 24 reported the EU’s inability to reach a consensus, while Kyiv Post noted that the delisting would occur alongside a three‑year extension of broader Russia sanctions. United24media quoted a senior Ukrainian official warning that easing measures could benefit Moscow, and euractiv.com highlighted that France and Slovakia have already moved to remove the two names. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty confirmed the pending removal.

The immediate beneficiaries are Usmanov and Fridman, whose assets in the EU will no longer be frozen, while member states must adjust compliance procedures. The decision will be formalised in an EU council vote, and observers will watch for any further policy shifts responding to Ukraine’s security concerns. Russia’s foreign ministry has not issued a statement, but the broader sanctions regime will remain in force through 2029, according to the three‑year extension noted by Kyiv Post.