EU removes Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman from sanctions list, angering Ukraine
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The European Union has decided to remove sanctions on two Russian oligarchs, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, who were sanctioned after Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. France campaigned for Usmanov's removal citing national security concerns, while Luxembourg pushed for Fridman's delisting. Latvia initially opposed the move but agreed to a compromise that included extending sanctions on nearly 2,600 other individuals and entities for three years, instead of the previous six-month renewal cycle. Ukrainian officials condemned the decision as 'unacceptable,' with Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stating it sends the wrong signal to Moscow and that 'Moscow is celebrating.' He urged EU member states to impose national sanctions on the two individuals, and Latvia has already announced it will do so. The Kremlin welcomed the prospect of delisting, calling EU sanctions illegal. Reports suggest France's initiative was linked to a prospective prisoner release deal with Azerbaijan. Latvia's change of vote was also tied to France agreeing to start talks on a nuclear deterrence initiative and strengthening its military presence in Latvia.
Source report
Image caption: Usmanov is described as having particularly close ties to President Putin
By Robert Greenall
The European Union is set to remove sanctions on two oligarchs imposed after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to reports — a move that has prompted anger in Ukraine.
France campaigned for Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov to be taken off the list, citing "national security concerns." Luxembourg called for the removal of Russian-Israeli businessman Mikhail Fridman, who is suing the country for the release of frozen assets.
Latvia initially opposed the deal but agreed to a compromise, part of which involved extending sanctions on nearly 3,000 other individuals and entities for three years.
Ukrainian officials said the move was "unacceptable" and sent the wrong signal to Moscow.
"Moscow is celebrating because it got what it wanted: a sense of impunity, the humiliation of the EU, and division among Europeans," Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said on X.
He urged all EU member states to instead announce national sanctions on the two individuals. Latvia has already said it would do so.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov earlier welcomed the prospect of the two oligarchs being taken off the list, claiming the EU's sanctions were illegal and that all Russians should be removed.
Key Figures
Alisher Usmanov
- Founded USM Holding company, an investment group that owns iron, steel and copper suppliers, and the Megafon telecommunications company.
- Has in the past had ties with English Premier League clubs Arsenal and Everton.
- The EU froze his assets in 2022, describing him as "a pro-Kremlin oligarch with particularly close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin."
- Usmanov said the decision was "unfair."
- Reports indicate France's initiative was linked to a prospective prisoner release deal with Azerbaijan.
Mikhail Fridman
Image caption: Fridman has avoided condemning Putin outright for the war in Ukraine
- A Russian-Israeli citizen born in Ukraine.
- Founder of the Alfa Group investment conglomerate, with key interests in energy and banking.
- The EU has described him as a top Russian financier and enabler of Putin's inner circle.
- At the time of Russia's full-scale invasion, he said the conflict should end as soon as possible but avoided outright condemnation of President Putin.
- His Russian-Latvian business partner Pyotr Aven was stripped of Latvia's highest civilian honour in 2022 for failing to condemn the invasion of Ukraine.
Diplomatic Developments
Latvia's opposition to the move may have been influenced by the Aven case. It initially vetoed the decision in a vote by EU ambassadors on Monday.
However, on Tuesday it changed its vote to an abstention as a compromise was reached. The new deal involved extending sanctions on some remaining 2,600 individuals and entities to three years. Until now, sanctions had to be renewed every six months.
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs also announced that France had agreed to start talks with Latvia about joining a French nuclear deterrence initiative and strengthening its military presence in Latvia.
Related Topics
- Russia
- Russia sanctions
- War in Ukraine
- European Union
- Latvia
- Ukraine
Source
BBC NewsWestern
Part of this Story
EU drops Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman from sanctions list, sparking Ukraine outrage