Paris has taken a diplomatic step to ask the European Union to delist Russian‑Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov from its sanctions regime. French officials say the request is driven by national‑security considerations and by pressure from Azerbaijan, which is currently detaining two French nationals.
EU sanctions process and deadline extension
EU envoys extended the deadline for renewing Russia‑related sanctions listings by seven days on Monday, moving the expiration from September 15 to September 22. The extension was needed because member states could not reach unanimous agreement on a six‑month rollover of the sanctions.
France and Slovakia call for delisting
According to three European diplomats familiar with the matter, France joined Slovakia in publicly urging the EU to lift the sanctions imposed on Usmanov after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Usmanov, a metals and mining magnate, has filed multiple lawsuits in European courts seeking removal of the restrictions, and his lawyers have contested the media statements that formed the basis for the sanctions.
Azerbaijan’s alleged leverage
French diplomatic sources say that Azerbaijan is using Usmanov as leverage, effectively “blackmailing” Paris over the case of the two French citizens it holds. One of the detainees has been described by French officials as being held arbitrarily, while the other faces espionage charges. The link between Azerbaijan’s demand and Usmanov’s delisting was first reported by the Financial Times.
Diplomats note that Azerbaijan’s position appears to be supported by Qatar and Kazakhstan, and that regional leaders, including Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, have previously called for Usmanov’s removal from the EU list.
Broader context of France‑Azerbaijan relations
Relations between France and Azerbaijan have been strained for years, especially after Baku reclaimed the Nagorno‑Karabakh region in 2023, prompting an exodus of ethnic Armenians. France’s military support for Armenia and accusations that Azerbaijan‑linked groups have conducted disinformation campaigns have further soured ties.
French officials have also warned that Azerbaijan has sought to inflame unrest in France’s overseas territory of New Caledonia.
Implications for EU sanctions credibility
One diplomat warned that member states are watching how Paris navigates this request, noting that a perceived concession could undermine the EU’s credibility as a supporter of Ukraine and its overall sanctions process.
The EU’s sanctions list currently targets nearly 3,000 individuals and entities with asset freezes and travel bans. The upcoming deadline and France’s push for an exception highlight the challenges the bloc faces in maintaining a unified front.
Official responses
Foreign ministries of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Qatar have not responded to requests for comment. France’s foreign ministry spokesperson declined to comment on the alleged Azerbaijan connection.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
