EU sanctions on Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov were frozen in 2022. In September 2026 France asked Brussels to lift them. Diplomats say Azerbaijani pressure preceded the request. Credibility of the EU sanctions regime is now questioned.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Why did France ask to lift sanctions on Alisher Usmanov?
- A: French diplomats reportedly asked Brussels in September 2026 to lift EU sanctions on Usmanov, allegedly after Azerbaijani pressure.
- Q: What role did Azerbaijan play in the sanctions reversal?
- A: Diplomats say Azerbaijani pressure preceded France’s request, suggesting political leverage was used to influence the EU sanctions review.
- Q: How does this affect EU sanctions credibility?
- A: The reported deal raises serious questions about consistency, impartiality, and political interference in the EU sanctions regime.