Updated

France has supported a Slovak proposal to remove Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov from the EU sanctions list, according to unnamed European diplomats cited by Euronews. The move has reportedly caused significant frustration among other European diplomats, highlighting divisions within the bloc over sanctions policy. Amid the ongoing dispute, EU ambassadors extended existing sanctions against Vladimir Putin, Lavrov and other Russian officials for only seven days rather than the usual longer period, citing the need for further consultations as France and Slovakia continue pushing for changes to the broader sanctions list.