The recent announcement by the European Union to lift sanctions on two prominent Russian oligarchs has ignited significant backlash from Ukraine. Reports indicate that the EU plans to remove sanctions imposed after Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The sanctions on Alisher Usmanov, a billionaire with connections to both Russia and Uzbekistan, are being lifted following lobbying efforts from France, which cited “national security concerns”. Meanwhile, Luxembourg advocated for the removal of Mikhail Fridman, a Russian-Israeli businessman currently involved in legal proceedings for the unfreezing of his assets.
Initially opposing this move, Latvia eventually agreed to a compromise, which included the extension of sanctions on nearly 3,000 other individuals and entities for an additional three years. However, Ukrainian officials have expressed that this development is “unacceptable”, arguing it conveys a negative message to Moscow.
Ukrainian Officials Respond with Outrage
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha took to social media platform X to voice his discontent, stating that the decision allows Moscow to feel a sense of impunity while humiliating the EU and fostering discord among European nations. He called for all EU member states to impose national sanctions against the two oligarchs instead. Latvia has already committed to taking such action.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed the potential lifting of sanctions, asserting that the EU’s measures were illegal and advocating for the removal of sanctions on all Russians.
Background on the Oligarchs in Question
Alisher Usmanov, who founded USM Holding, an investment group with interests in iron, steel, copper, and telecommunications through Megafon, was previously linked to English Premier League clubs Arsenal and Everton. The EU had frozen his assets in 2022, labeling him as a “pro-Kremlin oligarch” with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Usmanov criticized the EU’s decision as “unfair” and suggested that France’s push to lift sanctions might be connected to negotiations for a potential prisoner release deal with Azerbaijan.
Mikhail Fridman, a Russian-Israeli national born in Ukraine, is the founder of the Alfa Group, which has significant interests in energy and banking. The EU has characterized him as a critical financier for Putin’s inner circle. Despite Fridman urging for a swift resolution to the conflict following Russia’s invasion, he refrained from outright condemning Putin. His business partner, Pyotr Aven, lost Latvia’s highest civilian honor in 2022 for not denouncing the invasion, likely influencing Latvia’s initial resistance to lifting the sanctions.
Compromise Reached Among EU Members
Following a vote by EU ambassadors, Latvia initially opposed the sanctions lift but later opted for abstention, paving the way for a compromise. The revised agreement extends sanctions on approximately 2,600 individuals and entities for three years, a notable increase from the previous six-month renewal period.
In addition to these developments, Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs announced that France had consented to initiate discussions regarding a nuclear deterrence initiative, aimed at bolstering military cooperation between France and Latvia.
