EU diplomats negotiate deal to delist Alisher Usmanov

European Union ambassadors are negotiating a potential deal to break a deadlock regarding the renewal of sanctions against Russian individuals and entities. The impasse stems from a French request to delist Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov from the sanctions regime.

Diplomatic sources indicate that France’s request is linked to a potential agreement with Azerbaijan to secure the release of two French nationals currently held in prison. The proposed compromise, suggested by the Irish presidency, involves delisting Usmanov and businessman Mikhail Fridman in exchange for an unprecedented 36-month renewal of the EU sanctions regime to prevent future stalemates.

The prospect of removing Usmanov has caused friction among EU member states and drawn criticism from Ukraine, which characterized the move as a ‘gift’ to Russia. While Uzbekistan has lobbied for two years for Usmanov’s removal, several EU members have expressed concern over the precedent such a deal might set.