France Seeks Removal of Alisher Usmanov From EU Sanctions to Secure Release of French Nationals Detained in Azerbaijan Through Negotiations

France is lobbying European Union governments to remove Russian-Uzbek businessman Alisher Usmanov from the bloc’s sanctions list as part of a proposed arrangement involving French nationals detained in Azerbaijan. The request has complicated renewal of sanctions covering roughly 2,600 people and entities linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. France and Slovakia blocked a 12-month extension, prompting a temporary one-week renewal. Most member states oppose delisting Usmanov, warning that exchanging sanctions relief for prisoner releases could create a dangerous precedent