Overview
- Diplomats reported an agreement of principle on Monday to delist Alicher Ousmanov and Mikhaïl Fridman but the package was not confirmed and talks resumed the next day.
- France asked for Ousmanov’s removal and Luxembourg pressed for Fridman’s delisting, citing national or bilateral reasons in discussions among member states.
- At least one member state, reported as Latvia, blocked the Monday-night package and used the EU’s unanimity rule to prevent final approval.
- Ukrainian officials including Foreign Minister Andriï Sybiga and President Volodymyr Zelensky called the proposed delistings unacceptable and warned they would weaken pressure on Moscow.
- Negotiators are also discussing extending the sanctions renewal period from six to 36 months to reduce the risk that the entire regime lapses if members cannot reach agreement.