The European Union faced mounting criticism after agreeing to end asset freezes and travel bans on Russian-Uzbek metals tycoon Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, co-founder of one of Russia’s biggest conglomerates. France pushed for Usmanov’s delisting despite appeals from Ukraine, while Luxembourg sought similar treatment for Fridman after he launched a $16 billion claim against it over frozen assets. French officials privately linked Usmanov’s case to pressure from Azerbaijan over two French citizens held there; Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev later pardoned one French national jailed for espionage. The EU renewed Russia-related sanctions on about 3,000 people and organisations for three years, but critics said the exemptions could weaken the bloc’s support for Ukraine and encourage sanctioned individuals to seek leverage through foreign governments. The EU said it would continue sanctions work, including proposed additions targeting Russia’s military industrial complex and shadow fleet.