Most other capitals were unwilling to consider delisting anyone while Russia is firing record numbers of missiles at Ukrainian civilian targets. One of the diplomats said that “against the backdrop of rising hybrid threats and Russian drone attacks only 1 kilometer from the Polish border, it's hard to believe that France is actually asking for this.”

Another part of the discussion revolves around whether to extend the measures by six months, as has been customary since 2014, or renew them for 12 months. Slovakia is understood to be unwilling to back the longer period.

A French diplomat said that “we have a specific national security issue and wish to respond positively to international partners who have approached us regarding Mr. Usmanov.”

Gabriel Gavin contributed to this report.