The European Union is in a difficult situation, and its members have been unable to agree on extending economic sanctions against Russia. A spokesperson for the current presidency of the Council of Ireland stated that this indicates the emergence of new disagreements in this area.
Disagreement Over Extension of Sanctions
Members of the European Union have been unable to agree on extending punitive measures against approximately 3,000 individuals, entities, and companies for another year. These measures are set to expire on Tuesday. The only agreement reached in this regard has been a seven-day extension until midnight on September 22, and further negotiations on contentious issues will take place before this date.
Main Reason for Disagreements
Information obtained indicates that these disagreements stem from Slovakia's request to lift EU sanctions against Alisher Usmanov, one of the Russian oligarchs. Slovakia appears to have threatened to block the extension of all punitive measures unless Usmanov is removed from the sanctions list. According to diplomats, this request has also been supported by France.
Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, had previously received a report from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which seemed to indicate that Erdoğan supported Usmanov and referenced his role in opening the doors of Turkic countries to the West.
Opposition from Other EU Countries
Many other EU countries have refrained from supporting Slovakia's request, believing that lifting sanctions against Usmanov could provide grounds for legal complaints by other Russians. So far, sanctions against Usmanov have stated that he is a Kremlin-supporting oligarch with close ties to Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia.
German officials have also conducted investigations against Usmanov, accusing him of violating foreign trade and payment laws and possibly breaching sanctions. These investigations were halted due to a payment of a €10 million ($11.6 million) fine.
Consequences of Sanctions
Ongoing disagreements within the European Union regarding sanctions have existed, but the change of government in Hungary has raised hopes for an easier extension of existing sanctions. The goal of these sanctions is to pressure Russia to engage in constructive peace negotiations in Ukraine.
