Why France Pushed for Usmanov's Removal
The European Union has renewed its sanctions regime against Russia for another six months, maintaining pressure over the ongoing war in Ukraine, while acceding to a French request to remove Uzbek-Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov from the sanctions list. The decision, formalized on September 22, 2026, reflects a delicate balance between sustaining collective action against Moscow and addressing national concerns within the bloc. Usmanov, a longtime associate of Vladimir Putin with significant investments in European football and mining, had been targeted due to his alleged ties to the Kremlin. France argued that his continued inclusion lacked sufficient legal basis and risked undermining the credibility of the sanctions framework, a view that gained traction after diplomatic consultations.
French officials contended that the evidence linking Usmanov to direct support for Russia’s war effort was insufficient compared to other oligarchs still under sanctions. They emphasized that his assets in France, including property and business interests, had already been frozen or divested, reducing any practical impact of keeping him on the list. Paris also warned that retaining figures with tenuous connections could provoke legal challenges that might weaken the entire sanctions architecture. The move was framed not as leniency toward Russia, but as a refinement of targeting criteria to ensure measures remain legally robust and politically sustainable across all member states.
What Does This Mean for Unity in Sanctions Policy?
While the removal of Usmanov signals flexibility in applying sanctions, EU officials stressed that the core restrictions on Russian energy, finance, and defense sectors remain fully intact and will be rigorously enforced. The renewal passed unanimously, indicating that despite this adjustment, there is no broad appetite to dilute the overall strategy. Analysts note that the decision may encourage other countries to seek similar exemptions for individuals they believe were sanctioned on weak grounds, potentially leading to more frequent reviews of the list. However, the EU reiterated that any future changes would require unanimous consent and strict adherence to agreed-upon criteria, aiming to prevent the process from becoming politicized or inconsistent.
Why was Alisher Usmanov originally sanctioned? Usmanov was added to the EU sanctions list due to his close ties to Vladimir Putin and his involvement in sectors deemed strategic to the Russian state, particularly through his holdings in mining and telecommunications companies believed to support the Kremlin’s economic resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does removing Usmanov weaken the sanctions against Russia? No, the EU confirmed that all major sectoral sanctions targeting Russia’s energy, banking, and defense industries remain unchanged and fully operational, with the adjustment limited to specific individual designations based on legal review.
Could other sanctioned individuals be removed in the future? Yes, the sanctions list undergoes regular reviews, and member states can request reconsideration of individual cases if new evidence emerges or if the original justification is deemed insufficient, though any change requires unanimous agreement among all 27 EU members.