EU agrees to lift sanctions on Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman
EU member states’ permanent representatives have agreed to remove two Russian billionaires — USM Holdings founder Alisher Usmanov and Alfa Group co-founder Mikhail Fridman — from the sanctions list, according to Reuters and Euronews.
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to Latvia and other EU partners for continuing legal efforts against Russia's aggressive war on Ukraine. In a Telegram post, Zelensky highlighted that as Russian attacks on civilians escalate, including drone and ballistic missile assaults, the pressure on Moscow must be maintained, especially against those profiting from the situation.
He stressed that names of criminals must remain on sanction lists until Russia participates in meaningful peace talks and takes steps to cease the war. Zelensky emphasized that expediting and unconditionally extending personal sanctions until Russia joins peace talks is the quickest route to peace. He added that every Ukrainian family is counting on the EU's unity and solidarity.
Despite the sanctions against around 3,000 Russian individuals and organizations set to expire, the EU has not yet agreed to extend them. Reports suggest Latvia objected to lifting sanctions on Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Friedman, as called for by France, Slovakia, and Luxembourg.
Written by urgent.news from Ukrinform - Politics's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 4 other outlets
- Latvia gives in to France's demands to lift EU sanctions on two Russian oligarchs, diplomats say kyivindependent.com
- EU renews Russia sanctions, drops Russian billionaires Usmanov and Fridman jpost.com
- “Moscow is celebrating because it got what it wanted”: Sybiha on EU sanctions lifted on Usmanov, Fridman ukrinform.net
- EU removes Usmanov, Friedman from its sanctions list en.interfax.com.ua
