EU renews Russia sanctions but removes Usmanov at France's request

AI Summary

The European Union has renewed sanctions against Russia but removed prominent businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the list following France's request, linked to a prisoner release deal with Azerbaijan.

France succeeded in its push to remove Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list as part of a prisoner release with Azerbaijan. A second high-profile businessman, Mikhail Fridman, was also removed.