World News
EU states weigh lifting sanctions on two Russian oligarchs amid internal divisions
Proposals to delist Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman spark pushback from Kyiv and eastern European members.
The short version
- France and Slovakia advocated removing Alisher Usmanov from EU sanctions, while Luxembourg sought delisting for Mikhail Fridman.[France 24]
- A proposed compromise aimed to lift restrictions on the two businessmen in exchange for extending broader sanctions on other entities for three years.[France 24]
- Poland, Baltic states, and Ukrainian officials strongly opposed easing any sanctions on Moscow.[France 24]
- Outlets reported differing outcomes, with one reporting a deal was finalized and another reporting talks stalled over a Latvian objection.[France 24 · The Guardian]
Key facts
- France and Slovakia advocated for Alisher Usmanov's delisting, with French officials citing unspecified national security reasons.[France 24 · The Guardian]
- Luxembourg pushed to lift sanctions on Mikhail Fridman, who is suing the country for about €15 billion over frozen assets.[France 24 · The Guardian]
- A compromise framework included extending wider sanctions for three years rather than the standard six-month period.[France 24 · The Guardian]
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga denounced easing sanctions as unacceptable and sending the wrong signal to Russia.[France 24 · The Guardian]
- Poland and Baltic nations opposed delisting the oligarchs, arguing diplomatic and economic pressure on Moscow must intensify.[France 24]
What remains uncertain
- Reports conflicted over whether the EU reached a finalized agreement to remove the oligarchs or if talks stalled due to Latvian objections.[France 24 · The Guardian]
- The Financial Times reported France's push regarding Usmanov may involve a prisoner swap in Azerbaijan, though French officials declined to provide public details.[France 24]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.