Luxembourg PM defends removing Russian oligarch Fridman from EU sanctions list
Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden defended the decision to remove Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman from the EU sanctions list, saying it was done in the country's interest. EU member states agreed on Tuesday to lift sanctions on both Fridman and Alisher Usmanov.
Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden on Thursday publicly defended the decision to remove Russian-born billionaire Mikhail Fridman from the European Union's sanctions list. Following days of negotiations, EU member states agreed on Tuesday to lift restrictions on both Fridman and fellow oligarch Alisher Usmanov.
Speaking to journalists, Frieden explained that his government requested Fridman's removal from the list to protect Luxembourg's general interests and prevent potential harm to the country. He noted that Luxembourg only raised this demand after a call had already been made to remove Usmanov from the sanctions list.
France and Slovakia's role
The push to lift sanctions on Usmanov originated with France and Slovakia. France hopes the move will help secure the release of French citizens detained in Azerbaijan.
Criticism and accountability
Facing criticism over Luxembourg's stance on the matter, Frieden rejected the notion that the decision in any way weakens the country's support for Ukraine. In his view, lifting sanctions on Fridman does not affect Luxembourg's broader policy toward Russian aggression.
It should be noted that Fridman has filed a claim against Luxembourg in international arbitration seeking approximately 15 billion euros in compensation, after his assets in the country were frozen under EU sanctions against Russia.
