How could diplomatic talks involving Azerbaijan affect Alisher Usmanov's sanctions status?
Diplomatic pressure from Azerbaijan may have contributed to Alisher Usmanov's sanctions removal Alisher Usmanov was sanctioned by the European Union following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The reports indicate that France sought to lift sanctions on Usmanov as part of negotiations with Azerbaijan, which was holding French citizens. This diplomatic push ultimately led to Usmanov's removal from the EU sanctions list on September 22 this year. This outcome is part of a broader trend where states, such as Luxembourg, have also facilitated the removal of sanctions against other oligarchs.
- Effect
- Strong positive
- How direct
- 2 steps, 2 inferred by Brind
- When
- Right away
- The story
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How it reaches Alisher Usmanov
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The European Union removed Mikhail Gutseriev and Viktor Shevtsov from the Belarus sanctions list after court rulings found insufficient evidence of continued support for Alexander Lukashenko’s government. Separately, the EU removed Alisher Usmanov following a push from France. Mikhail Fridman was also removed from the EU sanctions list at Luxembourg's request.
The full event2independent outlets -
France sought to lift sanctions on Alisher Usmanov as part of negotiations with Azerbaijan, which was holding French citizens. This request was made while France was under pressure from Azerbaijan.
No report states this step directly. Brind drew it from the reporting on each side of it, so treat it as an informed guess.
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president of France and Co-Prince of Andorra since 2017
Everything about Emmanuel Macron -
Following the French initiative and diplomatic pressure, Alisher Usmanov was removed from the EU's sanctions list on September 22 this year. He had initially been sanctioned after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
No report states this step directly. Brind drew it from the reporting on each side of it, so treat it as an informed guess.
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Russian billionaire
Everything about Alisher Usmanov
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Alisher Usmanov was sanctioned by the EU after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.aol.co.uk
- France sought to lift sanctions on Usmanov as part of negotiations with Azerbaijan to secure the release of French nationals held there.themoscowtimes.com
- Usmanov was removed from the EU's list on 22 September this year, following a push from France.aol.co.uk
Why it matters
The removal of sanctions against high-profile oligarchs like Alisher Usmanov signals a potential shift in Western policy regarding Russia. This trend is part of a broader pattern where diplomatic negotiations and legal challenges, such as those facilitated by Luxembourg, are leading to the lifting of restrictions on individuals tied to the Kremlin.
This development raises questions about the consistency of Western sanctions policy. Opposition figures argue that the lifting of sanctions on major Kremlin oligarchs sends a dangerous signal that the West is ready to normalize relations with Putin's regime, potentially opening a 'Pandora's box' for other sanctioned individuals.
What we don't know yet
- Will the trend of sanctions removal continue for other sanctioned Russian oligarchs?
- How will the lifting of sanctions affect the political relationship between France and Azerbaijan?
Is this still moving?
- Reports
- 2
- Developments
- 2
- Repetition
- 0%
What would change this answer
— Other considerations
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Who else could feel it
Other possible ripples from the same event.
- Council of the European UnionAlready happeningThe Council of the European Union removed oligarchs following Luxembourg pressure
- European CommissionLikelyThe European Commission must adjust regulatory frameworks following General Court sanctions reviews.
- Emmanuel MacronLikelyAzerbaijan pressure may constrain Macron's sanctions policy
- CitibankPossibleSanctions removal may increase Citibank's ability to unblock frozen assets
- Vladimir PutinPossibleSanctions removal on oligarchs signals dangerous normalization of relations with Putin's regime
- BelarusPossibleSanctions review may reduce regulatory restrictions on individuals tied to Belarus's government
Reporting
- themoscowtimes.comThursday
- aol.co.ukThursday
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Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.