The European Union is poised to lift sanctions against Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, according to EU diplomats. These sanctions were imposed in February 2022, shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The move comes as the EU reassesses its sanctions list, which currently includes around 3,000 individuals, entities, and companies.
Official EU documents describe Usmanov as a "pro-Kremlin oligarch with particularly close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin." Fridman, on the other hand, has been referred to as a top Russian financier and enabler of Putin's inner circle. The lifting of sanctions on these two billionaires is reportedly driven by concerns that some EU member states might otherwise fail to unanimously back the extension of sanctions against others.
The EU's sanctions on individuals and businesses have to be renewed periodically. In this case, the travel ban and asset freezes on Usmanov and Fridman are set to be lifted. This decision has been influenced by lobbying efforts from certain EU member states.
France and Slovakia were among the countries that campaigned for easing sanctions imposed against Usmanov. Meanwhile, Luxembourg pushed for Fridman's sanctions to be lifted. These developments suggest that there is not uniform support among EU member states for maintaining sanctions on all individuals and entities.
The decision to lift sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman may have implications for the EU's broader policy towards Russia. It highlights the complexities and challenges of maintaining a unified stance on sanctions among the 27 EU member states.
The EU's sanctions regime against Russia has been a key aspect of the bloc's response to the conflict in Ukraine. The periodic review of sanctions allows for adjustments to be made in response to changing circumstances. In this case, the lifting of sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman reflects shifting priorities and interests among EU member states.
As the EU continues to navigate its relationship with Russia, the lifting of sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman will be closely watched. This move may have implications for the EU's efforts to maintain pressure on Russia over its actions in Ukraine. The EU's stance on sanctions will likely continue to evolve in response to developments on the ground.
Key points
- The EU is set to lift sanctions on Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman due to concerns over unanimous support for extending sanctions on others.
- The sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman were imposed in February 2022 for their ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- France, Slovakia, and Luxembourg lobbied for the easing or lifting of sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman.
