Latvia has blocked a compromise deal, backed by France, to remove the Uzbek-Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov from the EU's sanctions list.
"As long as Russia continues the war, Europe's pressure must increase, not become more comfortable for the Kremlin," stated Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs in a video posted on Monday, shortly before midnight.
France had linked Usmanov's removal to the release of two French citizens currently detained in Azerbaijan, irritating other member states. Uzbekistan, Usmanov's country of birth, is believed to have facilitated the deal.
Slovakia had previously requested Usmanov's removal from the list, albeit for different reasons.
In an attempt to break the week-long deadlock, Ireland, holding the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU, proposed a compromise on Monday. This proposal involved removing both Usmanov and another businessman, Mikhail Fridman, from the sanctions list, but extending the entire regime for an unprecedented 36 months to avoid unwanted vetoes.
Member states expressed support for the compromise, though many diplomats admitted it was difficult to accept. As negotiations continued on Monday, Ukrainian officials used social media to voice their discontent and opposition.
Latvia was the only country not to give its approval, thus failing to achieve the required unanimity. Representatives reconvened on Tuesday morning to continue discussions.
The sanctions must be renewed by the end of the day. If not, the entire list of 2,600 names, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, will expire.
In his video, Kulbergs stated that his country would work with Brussels and Paris to find a "solution that serves Latvia's interests."
"Extending the sanctions for 36 months would be the right choice. However, the price cannot be simply removing both names from the sanctions list," said the Latvian prime minister. "Latvia cannot accept such a proposal," he added, announcing that he would convene an extraordinary government meeting on Tuesday to discuss the matter.
Foreign Minister Baiba Braže stated that the so-called "other countries," meaning France, should be invited to explain their positions.
Latvia, along with the other Baltic states Lithuania and Estonia, has long advocated for a strategy of maximum pressure on Russia. The country is preparing to vote in parliamentary elections next month.
