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EU envoys extend Russia sanctions by seven days to debate six-month renewal, EU presidency says

14 September 2026 22:18 (UTC +04:00)

European Union envoys have pushed back the expiry of EU Russia sanctions listings by seven days until September 22, a spokesperson for the EU's Irish presidency said on Monday, after failing to agree ‌on a six-month renewal, APA reports citing Reuters.

At issue is whether to de-list Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov. France has joined Slovakia in a call to remove him, citing national security concerns, EU diplomats said.

"France is one of the countries most committed to increasing pressure — by all means — on the Russian war machine, as well as to supporting Ukraine," a French diplomatic source said. "We face a specific national security ⁠issue and wish to respond positively to international partners who have approached us regarding Mr. Usmanov."

"In order to allow additional time for member states to comprehensively examine proposals for the renewal, Coreper has agreed to prolong the regime by a period of 7 days, until midnight Tuesday 22 September," the spokesperson said, referring to the Comité des Représentants Permanents — the body of EU ambassadors that prepares work for the 27 heads of member states.

EU sanctions require ‌unanimous approval ⁠from all 27 member states and must be renewed every six months.