On Tuesday, the European Union countries decided to remove two Russian oligarchs, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from the sanctions list. This was part of a compromise that extends other sanctions for three years.
France surprised other EU countries by demanding the removal of Usmanov. They cited national security. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said it was the wrong message and France should explain it.
Estonia and Latvia did not support the removal of Usmanov. Extending sanctions requires unanimity among EU countries.
France was under pressure from Azerbaijan. Two French citizens are being held in Azerbaijan. France has not publicly commented on the situation.
Usmanov is linked to luxury assets in Western Europe. The EU imposed sanctions on him in 2022 when Russia started the war in Ukraine.
Some European officials said France's actions damaged trust and made unity against Russia more difficult. Tsahkna said the removal of Usmanov sends a bad signal.