EU Countries Haggle Over Russia Sanctions Deal Terms

EU member states are moving toward agreement on new Russia sanctions, but the deal hinges on whether oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman are removed from the sanctions list. The removal of these prominent Russian businessmen from EU restrictions remains a contested condition for finalizing broader sanctions measures.

Byte's take

Unanimous rules turn sanctions into a hostage negotiation. EU member states are haggling over whether to delist oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman as a condition for new Russia restrictions, risking the entire package over two names.