EU Considers Unfreezing Usmanov’s Assets While Keeping Him on Sanctions List

Ireland and the European External Action Service have drafted a compromise that would keep Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov on the EU sanctions list but unfreeze his assets and lift his travel ban. The proposal emerged after EU ambassadors agreed on a one‑week extension of the sanctions list, which covers 3,000 individuals and entities, but a six‑month renewal stalled because of disputes over Usmanov’s restrictions. Slovakia and France demanded his removal, while other members, including Germany and Italy, signaled possible support for France’s stance. France’s push is linked to a prisoner‑release deal with Azerbaijan that may return French businessman Martin Ryan to France. The EU’s decision will determine whether the sanctions regime can be adjusted for individual cases without undermining its overall integrity.