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2 clusters · 10 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

EU removal of Russian oligarchs from sanctions

Overview

The European Union has removed Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list. While the EU extended sanctions against thousands of other individuals and entities linked to the war in Ukraine for an additional three years, Usmanov and Fridman were notably excluded from the renewal.

Reports suggest the decision followed diplomatic initiatives led by France, with some media outlets indicating a potential link to the release of French citizen Martin Ryan from detention in Azerbaijan. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not confirmed a direct exchange, describing Ryan’s release as the result of a ‘patient and difficult dialogue’ with Azerbaijani authorities.

The move has drawn significant criticism. Ukraine described the decision as “shameful and unjustifiable,” with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy labeling it a “concession” to the Kremlin. In response, the Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have implemented their own national sanctions, designating the oligarchs as persona non grata and imposing financial and entry restrictions.

Entities

France · European Union · Alisher Usmanov · Mikhail Fridman · Vladimir Putin

Timeline

  1. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    EU removes Alisher Usmanov from sanctions list

    The EU has removed billionaire Alisher Usmanov from its sanctions list, amid suspicions of a diplomatic deal involving the pardon of a French citizen by Azerbaijan.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 8 sources
    EU lifts sanctions on Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman

    The EU lifted sanctions on Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman following a French-led initiative, prompting Baltic states to impose their own independent sanctions.

Sources

actualno.com · ahora.com.pe · euractiv.de · euractiv.fr · laverita.info · n1info.si · nachrichten.fr · spravy.pravda.sk · vilaweb.com · volby.aktuality.sk