Story perspectives

EU removes Usmanov after Azerbaijan pardons French prisoners

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 10:31 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

EU removed Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov from its sanctions list.
France said the delisting was tied to Azerbaijan’s release of two French prisoners.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev pardoned French national Martin Ryan.
Ukraine condemned the delistings and urged the EU to keep Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman sanctioned.
EU extended individual Russian sanctions for 36 months to offset the delistings.

1 of 1

Story summary

EU removed Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov from its sanctions list.
France said the delisting was tied to Azerbaijan’s release of two French prisoners.
Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev pardoned French national Martin Ryan.
Ukraine condemned the delistings and urged the EU to keep Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman sanctioned.
EU extended individual Russian sanctions for 36 months to offset the delistings.