Brussels: European Union member states extended talks on Russia sanctions for a week as countries failed to reach a consensus on delisting Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, EUobserver reported Monday. EU ambassadors agreed in Brussels on Monday to extend the bloc's Russia sanctions list, which includes Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, for just one week, pending another meeting on Sept. 22.

According to Anadolu Agency, this move marks an unprecedented step since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022. The bloc's existing Russia blacklist, comprising roughly 3,000 individuals and entities, requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU countries for renewal every six months. The list was due to expire at midnight Tuesday, while Slovakia, followed by France, expressed support for delisting Usmanov. The other 25 EU member states, however, did not support the move. 'It means we agree to disagree, for one week,' said an EU diplomat.

A French diplomatic source cited "national security" grounds for their position. 'We [France] have a specific national security issue and wish to respond positively to our international partners, who are approaching us regarding Mr. Usmanov," the source told EUobserver on Monday. The EU imposed a visa ban and asset freeze on Uzbek-born metals tycoon Alisher Usmanov in 2022, citing his 'particularly close ties' to Russian President Vladimir Putin.