Ukraine has pushed back against any politically motivated removal of individuals from the European Union's Russia sanctions list, with Deputy Prime Minister Vsevolod Chentsov insisting that Moscow must first demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace.
Speaking ahead of a high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Chentsov said he was "optimistic" about the talks, but stressed that the EU's restrictive measures should remain firmly in place until Russia changes course.
"We expect the EU to maintain unity," Chentsov told reporters, responding to a French-led initiative to remove Uzbek-Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov from the sanctions list. Paris has linked the delisting to efforts to secure the release of two French nationals imprisoned in Azerbaijan, a move that has stirred unease in Kyiv and among several EU capitals.
Ukraine's position is unambiguous: any easing of sanctions must be conditional on "real, concrete" steps by Russia toward ending its war against Ukraine. Chentsov's remarks come as the EU's sanctions regime faces a renewal deadline, with member states struggling to reach a consensus. Latvia has already blocked a compromise that would have dropped Usmanov from the list, underscoring the deep divisions within the bloc.
Sanctions unity under strain
The EU's sanctions package, which includes asset freezes and travel bans on hundreds of Russian officials and business figures, requires unanimous approval every six months. The current round has become a test of the bloc's resolve, as some member states weigh diplomatic trade-offs against the principle of maintaining pressure on Moscow.
France's push to delist Usmanov, a billionaire with ties to the Kremlin, has been framed as part of a broader effort to win the release of French citizens held in Azerbaijan. But critics argue that such political bargains undermine the credibility of the sanctions regime and send a dangerous signal to other sanctioned individuals.
"This is not about one person," said a senior EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity. "It's about whether we are willing to trade our principles for short-term diplomatic gains." The diplomat added that the episode has exposed the fragility of EU unity on Russia policy, a concern that resonates in Kyiv.
Chentsov's warning comes at a delicate moment. The Trump-Zelenskyy meeting is expected to focus on the future of US military aid and potential peace negotiations, but Ukraine is equally anxious about the EU's stance. The sanctions deadline is slipping, and Kyiv fears that any weakening of the EU's position could embolden Moscow.
A test of European resolve
The Usmanov case is not the only challenge facing the EU's sanctions policy. Earlier this year, the bloc struggled to agree on a new package, with Hungary repeatedly blocking measures related to energy and nuclear cooperation. The latest dispute, however, is different: it involves a direct trade-off between sanctions and a member state's bilateral interests.
Ukraine's government has repeatedly called on the EU to keep sanctions in place until Russia withdraws its troops and compensates for war damages. Chentsov's remarks echo that stance, but they also reflect a growing anxiety that the EU's attention is drifting as the war enters its third year.
"We understand that European politics is complex," Chentsov said. "But the cost of appeasement is far higher than the cost of maintaining pressure." His comments were echoed by officials in the Baltic states, who have been the most vocal opponents of any delisting. Latvia's veto has effectively stalled the renewal process, forcing EU foreign ministers to seek a new compromise.
Meanwhile, the human cost of the war continues to mount. Russian strikes across Ukraine have killed and wounded dozens in recent days, and a UN report has documented systematic sexual violence by Russian forces. For Kyiv, these realities make any discussion of sanctions easing premature.
As the EU debates its next move, Chentsov's message is clear: unity is not just a political slogan, but a strategic necessity. "The EU's strength lies in its ability to act together," he said. "We trust our partners to make the right choice."
