France backs lifting sanctions on Usmanov to secure citizens’ release in Azerbaijan

During a vote by EU ambassadors on extending sanctions against Russia, France backed Slovakia’s position and also supported removing Usmanov from the list, the newspaper reported.

FT sources said Paris is considering lifting sanctions on the billionaire as part of an agreement with Azerbaijan that could help secure the return of several French citizens.

Any decision, however, would require support from other EU countries. If Usmanov is removed from the sanctions list, it would be the first case in which the release of prisoners is directly linked to easing sanctions against Russia.

EU member state ambassadors failed to reach agreement on individual sanctions against Russia on Sept. 14 and extended them for only one week, through Sept. 22.

The EU had planned to extend the restrictions for one year instead of the current six-month period. Slovakia opposed the move, demanding that two Russian businessmen — Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman — be removed from the sanctions list.

France also supports removing Usmanov from the list. Paris did not explain its position.