EU renews Russia sanctions, drops Russian billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
Latvia dropped its veto, clearing the way for the EU to remove Usmanov and Fridman from sanctions and extend remaining Russia measures for three years.
EU diplomats reached an agreement on Tuesday to renew sanctions on Russia while dropping two Russian billionaires, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from the sanctions list. The decision comes after Latvia's previous veto was lifted, allowing the EU to move forward with the renewed sanctions for an additional three years. The sanctions, which have been consistently renewed every six months, require unanimous approval from all EU countries.
Latvia's abstention in the voting process ultimately paved the way for the deal to pass. The decision is currently pending the completion of a formal written procedure, which will be necessary for the sanctions to be officially adopted. French diplomats had previously advocated for Usmanov's removal from the sanctions due to national security concerns, while Luxembourg made a similar request for Fridman, a Russian-Uzbek metals tycoon with a $16 billion claim against Latvia.
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- EU agrees to lift sanctions on Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman meduza.io
- Latvia gives in to France's demands to lift EU sanctions on two Russian oligarchs, diplomats say kyivindependent.com
- Zelensky thanks Latvia for support in extending sanctions against Russian businessmen ukrinform.net
