Sanctions showdown leaves a bad taste as Latvia cautions against 'normalising' Russia

The EU has lifted sanctions on Russian oligarch Usmanov, a move that has sparked debate over normalising ties with Russia. According to Bloomberg, Usmanov's personal networks helped beat the EU on sanctions. Coverage from the Economist and euronews.com suggests that Europe is wrestling with the fallout from the Usmanov saga, with no one seemingly happy with the decision. The Economist notes that the move has left a bad taste in the mouths of some EU members.

The debate over normalising ties with Russia has been ongoing, with Latvia cautioning against 'normalising' Russia. The Economist suggests that the EU's decision may have set a precedent for future sanctions. Euronews.com reports that the EU mood is one of unease, with many questioning the decision to lift sanctions. The implications of the EU's decision are still unclear.

The Guardian notes that the sanctions must continue, but it is unclear how this will be achieved. The Economist suggests that the EU's decision may have emboldened Russia, but this is not explicitly stated. The reporting is thin on what this means for future EU-Russia relations and how this will impact the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.