Latvia blocks deal to remove Usmanov from EU sanctions list

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-22T07:05:09.110Z • Permanent link

French President Emmanuel Macron's efforts to remove Uzbek-Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list have been thwarted by Latvia at the last minute. Macron had been pushing for Usmanov's removal, citing his role as a major investor in French companies such as Danone and Societe Generale. Usmanov has significant stakes in both companies, and his influence could have potentially weakened the EU's stance on sanctions. However, Latvia's government, led by Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš, refused to back down, citing concerns over Usmanov's alleged ties to Russian intelligence and his potential role in undermining the EU's economic sanctions against Russia.

The French government had been working closely with the Latvian government to push for Usmanov's removal, but ultimately, they were unable to sway Latvia's position. Macron had been under pressure from other EU leaders to remove Usmanov from the sanctions list, citing the need to ease tensions between France and Russia. However, the EU's position on sanctions is complex, and any moves to lift them would require the approval of all member states. The EU's decision to keep Usmanov on the sanctions list is seen as a significant blow to Macron's efforts to improve relations with Russia.

Latvia's government has been vocal in its opposition to Usmanov's removal, citing concerns over his alleged ties to Russian intelligence and his potential role in undermining the EU's economic sanctions against Russia. Latvia has also been critical of Macron's efforts to improve relations with Russia, arguing that the French president is prioritizing economic interests over national security concerns. The opposition to Usmanov's removal has been seen as a significant setback for Macron's efforts to improve relations with Russia and has raised concerns over the potential for further tensions between the EU and Russia.

The EU's decision to keep Usmanov on the sanctions list has significant implications for companies such as Danone and Societe Generale, which have significant stakes in his investments. The EU's sanctions list is a major factor in shaping the global market for these companies, and any changes to it can have significant impacts on their stock prices and profitability. For research communities, the EU's decision on Usmanov's removal has significant implications for understanding the complex relationships between companies, governments, and sanctions. The EU's sanctions list is a major data point for researchers studying the global economy and international relations.

The EU's decision on Usmanov's removal also has significant implications for the global market for Russian assets. The EU's sanctions list is a major factor in shaping the global market for Russian assets, and any changes to it can have significant impacts on the value of these assets. For markets, the EU's decision on Usmanov's removal is a significant event, as it can have significant impacts on the value of companies and assets. For policy environments, the EU's decision on Usmanov's removal is a significant development, as it can shape the EU's stance on sanctions and its relationships with Russia.

The EU's decision to keep Usmanov on the sanctions list is part of a larger pattern of tensions between the EU and Russia. The EU has been critical of Russia's actions in Ukraine, and has imposed significant sanctions on Russian companies and individuals in response. However, the EU's sanctions list is complex, and any moves to lift them would require the approval of all member states. The EU's stance on sanctions is also influenced by the global economic landscape, as companies such as Danone and Societe Generale are major players in the global market for food and finance.