France Secures Removal of Russian Oligarch Ousmanov from EU Sanctions List

France has reportedly leveraged its influence to remove oligarch Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list, a move that critics say prioritizes Paris's interests over allied unity. The development signals potential fractures within the EU's sanctions regime and may weaken the credibility of Western messaging on Russia. The exact nature of the 'blackmail' and the full extent of France's role remain unclear.