EU Removes Russian Billionaires from Sanctions Amid French Lobbying

The EU has delisted two Russian oligarchs, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from its sanctions blacklist following closed-door pressure from France. The move represents a significant diplomatic shift in the bloc's response to Russian sanctions, with France's backing proving decisive in overriding other member states' positions.

Byte's take

France just proved EU sanctions are negotiable if you lobby hard enough.