The European Union Postpones Deadline for Extending Sanctions on Russia

However, the ambassadors of the 27 member states of the European Union postponed the deadline by one week, after last-minute efforts by Paris to remove the 73-year-old Uzbek-Russian billionaire from the list were met with opposition.

Usmanov, a former major shareholder in the English football club Arsenal, was included in the European Union's sanctions list in 2022 due to what Brussels described as his close ties to the Kremlin.

A spokesperson for Ireland, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, said that "consultations will continue, and additional discussions are expected"

He explained that "renewing the lists is essential to continue undermining the Russian war machine and to continue pressuring individuals and entities that support, enable, and benefit from it"

European Union diplomats said that France surprised its counterparts by supporting a Slovak request to remove Usmanov's name from the list.

Diplomats pointed out that France did not provide a clear reason, contenting itself with saying that it is a matter of "national security"

French officials confirmed that they are seeking to remove Usmanov's name from the list, but they did not clarify the motives behind it.

The Financial Times quoted sources familiar with the file, that Paris is pushing in this direction as part of a prisoner exchange agreement that includes a number of French citizens detained in Azerbaijan.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented in his daily speech by saying "Certainly, this is not the time to lift sanctions"

He added "Certainly, this is not the time to save Russian oligarchs from sanctions. Nor is it the time for Europe to give gifts to Russia"