EU Sanctions Crisis: France and Slovakia Threaten to Void 3,000 Russia-Linked Restrictions
The EU faces a potential collapse of its Russia-related sanctions regime by September 21, 2026, as France and Slovakia block the renewal of 3,000 listings. The dispute centers on delisting oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, with France reportedly linking its support to Azerbaijan’s release of two French nationals. Zelensky has condemned the move, warning it would shield Russian oligarchs and gift concessions to Moscow.