The agreement was part of a broader compromise: at the same time, sanctions against thousands of other Russian individuals and legal entities are planned to be extended for three years. This is significantly longer than the usual extension period of six or twelve months. Previously, EU countries were unable to timely agree on the next extension of the restrictions and temporarily extended the current regime until September 22. Unanimity among all 27 EU member states is required for such decisions. ### France Advocated for Usmanov In September, France joined Slovakia in seeking the exclusion of Usmanov from the sanctions list. According to Reuters, the French side linked its position to pressure from Azerbaijan, where at least two French citizens have been detained. Three European diplomats told Reuters that Paris sought the lifting of sanctions on Usmanov following an appeal from Azerbaijan. A representative from Azerbaijan rejected this version. France itself has not publicly confirmed that it demanded the exclusion of the businessman from the list. ### Luxembourg Stood Up for Friedman After that, Luxembourg demanded the exclusion of Mikhail Friedman from the sanctions list. Reuters notes another circumstance: Friedman is demanding **$16 billion** from Luxembourg as part of arbitration proceedings. According to EU diplomats, Luxembourg indicated that the exclusion of only Usmanov from the list could weaken the argument for maintaining sanctions against Friedman. The European Union imposed personal sanctions against both businessmen in 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The restrictions include the freezing of assets in the EU and a ban on entry.
