EU renews Russia sanctions while removing Usmanov and Fridman at France’s request

The European Union has removed prominent Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list. Personal sanctions against both men were imposed in 2022. They included asset freezes and a ban on entering the European Union. France traded Usmanov for its citizens in Azerbaijan The most unusual story is connected with Usmanov. Paris officially cites national security considerations, but Western media have reported a different motive. Two French citizens are being held in Azerbaijan. One of them, Martin Ryan, was sentenced to ten years in prison on charges of spying for France. The second, Anass Derraz, received a 12-year sentence in a corruption case. France allegedly coordinated a deal with Azerbaijan through Uzbekistan — Usmanov has Uzbek citizenship as well, while Paris and Baku have very poor relations — under which Usmanov would be removed from the European sanctions list and President Ilham Aliyev would pardon the French citizens. Azerbaijan categorically rejects this interpretation. However, it is known that Aliyev had previously spoken up for Usmanov, as had Turkey. Azerbaijani diplomacy portrays him as a "well-known philanthropist and public figure” who makes a major contribution to developing ties between the West, Central Asia and the Turkic world.

France succeeded in its push to remove Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list as part of a prisoner release with Azerbaijan. A second high-profile businessman, Mikhail Fridman, was also removed.

France succeeded in its push to remove Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list as part of a prisoner release with Azerbaijan. A second high-profile businessman, Mikhail Fridman, was also removed.