France urges EU to lift sanctions on Russian billionaire Usmanov

France: France is a founding member of the European Union and one of its most influential states on foreign policy matters. It has consistently supported sanctions pressure on Russia over the Ukraine conflict while balancing national interests in diplomacy and security. In the current development, France has taken the lead in urging other EU members to remove Alisher Usmanov from sanctions lists to facilitate a prisoner exchange agreement with Azerbaijan. Alisher Usmanov: Alisher Usmanov is an Uzbek-born Russian billionaire who built a fortune through investments in metals, mining, telecommunications, and technology via his USM Holdings. He has maintained business and personal ties to Uzbekistan and Russia while facing EU sanctions since 2022 over alleged proximity to the Kremlin. The French initiative to delist him has created a diplomatic impasse, stalling the routine renewal of broader EU sanctions on Russian individuals and entities. `json { "Diplomatic Standoff": "France's request to delist Usmanov has surprised EU partners and forced a one-week extension of sanctions measures instead of a longer renewal.", "National Security Rationale": "French officials have framed the delisting as addressing a specific national security concern and responding to approaches from international partners." } `