Latvia has expressed opposition to a proposed deal that would lift EU sanctions on Russia-linked billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. The deal, which would keep thousands of other individuals and businesses under sanctions, has been met with resistance from Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs. He stated that extending sanctions for 36 months would be the right step, but not at the cost of removing Usmanov and Fridman from the sanctions list.
The proposed deal would lift sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman, but renew sanctions on around 3,000 other Russia-linked individuals and entities for three years. All EU sanctions, comprising asset freezes and travel bans, are set to expire unless the 27 member countries reach a unanimous decision to renew them. Kulbergs announced that he would convene an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the issue and work with Brussels and Paris to find a solution suitable for Latvia's interests.
France sparked anger among EU partners and Ukraine by pushing to lift sanctions on Usmanov, a Russian-Uzbek businessman. This move was reportedly made under pressure from Azerbaijan, which has detained at least two French nationals. Luxembourg then demanded similar treatment for Fridman, a Russian billionaire. Both men have disputed the cases against them and taken legal action to have the sanctions removed.
Fridman is claiming $16 billion from Luxembourg in a case that has gone to arbitration. EU diplomats stated that Luxembourg argued that its case to maintain EU sanctions on Fridman could be weakened if sanctions were lifted on Usmanov. This has created an impasse in talks among EU member countries.
Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs expressed his concerns on social media, stating that Latvia cannot accept the proposed deal. He emphasized that the price for extending sanctions must not be simply striking both individuals from the sanctions list. Kulbergs' statement highlights the challenges in reaching a unanimous decision among EU member countries.
EU ambassadors were set to restart talks to resolve the impasse on Tuesday morning. The outcome of these talks remains uncertain, with Latvia's opposition to the deal adding to the complexity of the situation. The sanctions, imposed due to Russia's war in Ukraine, are set to expire at midnight on Tuesday unless a decision is reached.
The situation has sparked a significant debate among EU member countries, with some pushing for sanctions to be lifted on certain individuals. The resolution of this impasse will have implications for Russia-linked individuals and entities, as well as for the EU's stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Key points
- Latvia's Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs opposes a deal to lift EU sanctions on billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
- The proposed deal would keep thousands of other Russia-linked individuals and businesses under sanctions for three years.
- EU ambassadors are set to restart talks to try to resolve the impasse on Tuesday morning.
