EU set to lift sanctions on Russian billionaires Usmanov and Fridman
Ambassadors of EU member states have agreed to lift sanctions imposed on Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, provided no country objects within hours. The move is part of a broader deal extending other sanctions for three years.
Envoys from all 27 European Union member states have reached an agreement to remove sanctions imposed on Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reported, citing diplomats. The decision will take effect unless an EU member state raises objections within the coming hours.
The lifting of sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman forms part of a wider agreement extending sanctions against thousands of other Russian individuals and entities for three years — a period significantly longer than the usual six- or twelve-month renewal terms.
Latvia's position still unclear
Līga Jermacāne, press secretary for Latvia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the decision is still being finalized at the EU level and much could still change. For that reason, the ministry said it would withhold comment on Latvia's stance on the matter until the last possible moment.
France and Luxembourg's push
In a move that surprised many, France joined Slovakia in early September in calling for Usmanov to be removed from the EU's sanctions list. The Financial Times reported that France's push was linked to an attempt to arrange an exchange with Azerbaijan to secure the release of several French citizens.
Luxembourg subsequently requested that sanctions against Fridman also be lifted, according to Reuters.
