Ukraine anger as EU removes Russian oligarchs from sanctions list

The European Union is reportedly set to remove sanctions against two Russian oligarchs, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, who have close ties to President Putin. This decision, driven by France's "national security concerns" regarding Usmanov and Luxembourg's support for Fridman's legal action, has sparked anger in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials deem the move "unacceptable" and believe it signals impunity to Moscow and creates division within Europe. While Latvia initially opposed the decision, it agreed to a compromise that includes extending sanctions on nearly 3,000 other individuals and entities. Ukraine has urged EU member states to impose national sanctions on the two oligarchs, a move Latvia has already stated it will undertake.

The EU has agreed to remove Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list, while extending restrictions on nearly 3,000 other individuals and companies for three years. This difficult compromise, brokered by Ireland's EU presidency, was necessary for unanimous approval of sanctions, which had a looming deadline. France requested Usmanov's removal on national security grounds, and Luxembourg for Fridman, who is suing the country. Ukraine criticized the decision as unacceptable and shameful. The sanctions renewal for 36 months, rather than the usual six, was proposed to facilitate these delistings. Latvia, after initially objecting, ultimately abstained on the two delistings.

The European Union is deadlocked on renewing sanctions against nearly 3,000 entities accused of supporting the war in Ukraine, with the current measures set to expire. This deadlock comes as some EU countries are reportedly pushing to lift sanctions on Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. In response, the Kremlin has declared all Western sanctions on Russian individuals illegal and demanded their revocation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented on the proposal to lift sanctions on specific billionaires in exchange for maintaining sanctions on thousands of others. The situation is unfolding ahead of key talks concerning Ukraine and Greenland.

China has formally requested the European Union to remove Chinese companies and individuals from its recently imposed sanctions targeting Russia's war in Ukraine. Beijing's Ministry of Commerce issued a warning, stating that China will implement necessary measures to safeguard its citizens and businesses if the EU does not comply. The ministry emphasized the importance of resolving concerns through dialogue and consultation, and explicitly stated that the EU would be responsible for any negative consequences arising from the continued sanctions. This demand highlights China's stance against being implicated in Western sanctions against Russia.