EU sanctions list extension stalls as Slovakia and France block removal of Russian businessmen
The European Union failed to reach unanimity on extending its sanctions regime against Russian individuals, with Slovakia and France opposing the removal of two Russian businessmen from the list.
Member states of the European Union were unable to secure a unanimous vote to prolong the personal sanctions regime aimed at individuals and organisations threatening Ukraine's territorial integrity, leading to a brief technical extension of one outlet rules. The disagreement centred on Slovakia's demand to remove Russian billionaire Aliser Uszmanov and businessman Mihail Fridman from the blacklist, a stance that France supported citing one outlet security interests.
Because unanimity was lacking, the EU extended the existing sanctions for a short period while negotiations continue. Hungary participated in the procedural vote but has not issued a detailed public comment on whether it backs the substantive amendment. The episode highlights a shift in Hungary's diplomatic posture, as it refrained from openly opposing the bloc's stance this time.
Why it matters
The stalemate shows cracks in EU unity over Russian sanctions, affecting the bloc's ability to pressure Moscow.
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