# EU sanctions dispute over Alisher Usmanov

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eu-sanctions-dispute-over-alisher-usmanov
> Updated: 2026-09-14T17:55:56.000Z. Sources: 29. Developments: 3.

France and Slovakia have formally requested that the European Union remove Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov from its sanctions list. This request was made ahead of a September 15, 2026, deadline for the renewal of EU restrictive measures targeting over 3,000 individuals and entities linked to Russia’s military-industrial complex.

The diplomatic push by Paris and Bratislava led to a deadlock, blocking a long-term extension of the sanctions. While Slovakia has a history of seeking Usmanov’s removal, France’s involvement was described as unexpected, with the nation citing unspecified “national security” reasons. New reports suggest that Paris may be seeking Usmanov’s removal to assist in negotiations for the release of French citizens currently detained in Azerbaijan.

To prevent the total expiration of the measures, EU ambassadors agreed to a temporary one-week extension of individual sanctions until September 22. This short-term measure was adopted because the EU requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states to implement the standard six-month renewal. The extension aims to prevent the expiration of asset freezes and travel bans while diplomats continue discussions in Brussels regarding the specific individuals on the list.

Disagreements also persist regarding the duration of the renewal, with debates occurring over whether to implement a six-month or a twelve-month extension. The current delay provides diplomats more time to review proposals and attempt to reach a unified position, particularly as other member states resist Usmanov’s removal in light of escalating Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets.

## Claims

- France cited national security concerns as the reason for seeking Usmanov's removal from the list. (disputed by 4 sources)
- France is seeking Usmanov's removal to facilitate the release of French citizens detained in Azerbaijan. (disputed by 2 sources)
- EU member states failed to reach a consensus on the standard six-month renewal of sanctions against Russia. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The sanctions regime covers approximately 3,000 Russian individuals and entities. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The sanctions extension was postponed by one week to September 22. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- France and Slovakia have requested the removal of billionaire Alisher Usmanov from the sanctions list. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- EU ambassadors agreed to extend individual sanctions against over 3,000 Russian individuals and companies for one week. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Slovakia opposed a one-year extension of the sanctions, preferring a shorter duration. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- EU representatives stated that extending sanctions is essential to weaken the Russian war machine and maintain pressure on supporters. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: EU sanctions extended by one week amid France and Slovakia dispute

EU ambassadors extended sanctions against 3,000 Russian entities by one week to September 22 following a deadlock between France and Slovakia over the removal of billionaire Alisher Usmanov.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-joins-slovakia-in-calling-for-removal-of-alisher-usmanov-from-eu-sanctions-list

### 2026-09-14: EU delays Russia sanctions renewal following diplomatic deadlock

EU member states have delayed the renewal of sanctions against Russia by one week to September 22 following disagreements over the removal of billionaire Alisher Usmanov from the list.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-union-extends-russia-sanctions-by-one-week-amid-disagreements

### 2026-09-11: France and Slovakia request EU lift Alisher Usmanov sanctions

France and Slovakia have requested the EU remove Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov from the sanctions list ahead of the September 15 renewal deadline, sparking debate among EU member states.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/khachik-galstyan-sues-yerevan-state-university-rector

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Cite as: EU sanctions dispute over Alisher Usmanov. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eu-sanctions-dispute-over-alisher-usmanov