France blocks EU sanctions renewal to free prisoners in Azerbaijan

France is blocking the renewal of EU sanctions against Russia, demanding that Russian-Uzbek oligarch Alisher Usmanov be removed from the list. This move is linked to a proposed deal to free French citizens imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Slovakia supports France, while most EU countries oppose the removal. Luxembourg has said it would also seek the removal of Mikhail Fridman if Usmanov is removed. The deadlock delays the routine renewal of sanctions imposed on over 2,600 individuals and entities.