France blocks E.U. sanctions on Russia in push to spare oligarch Usmanov
- Posted on September 22, 2026
- By Washington Post
- 2 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
France has taken a controversial stance by blocking European Union sanctions targeting Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, allegedly to secure the release of French citizens detained in Azerbaijan. The move highlights tensions between EU unity on Russia policy and individual member states' diplomatic priorities. Usmanov, closely associated with Vladimir Putin's inner circle, faces international scrutiny amid geopolitical pressures and hostage negotiations.
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France blocks E.U. sanctions on Russia in push to spare oligarch Usmanov
The French request would lift E.U. sanctions on Alisher Usmanov, whom the E.U referred to as “one of Vladimir Putin’s favorite oligarchs,” in a bid to free French citizens held in Azerbaijan.
