Russia has urged the European Union to lift sanctions against all Russian citizens, following discussions among EU nations to end measures against oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. The sanctions, which include asset freezes and travel bans, were imposed by the 27-nation bloc. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the sanctions were illegal and should be lifted for all Russian businessmen and citizens.
The EU had initially considered removing asset freezes and visa bans from Usmanov and Fridman after demands from France, Luxembourg, and Slovakia. However, Latvia has objected, putting the entire process of renewing sanctions on Russians in doubt. The deadline for the renewal of sanctions is looming, adding pressure on the EU to make a decision. Peskov repeated the Kremlin's stance that the sanctions were unjust and should be lifted.
The sanctions against Russian citizens have been a point of contention between Russia and the EU. Russia views the sanctions as an attempt to exert pressure on its economy and politics. The EU, on the other hand, sees the sanctions as a necessary measure to respond to Russia's actions in Ukraine. The disagreement has contributed to strained relations between Russia and the EU.
Mikhail Fridman, a Russian businessman and co-founder of Alfa-Group, attended a conference in Moscow in 2019. The conference was organized by the Israeli Keren Hayesod foundation. Fridman, along with Alisher Usmanov, has been subject to EU sanctions. The sanctions have had a significant impact on the business operations of both men.
The Kremlin's call to lift sanctions against all Russians comes amid ongoing tensions between Russia and the West. The conflict in Ukraine has led to a significant deterioration in relations between Russia and the EU. The EU has imposed several rounds of sanctions against Russia, targeting various sectors of the economy and individual Russian citizens.
Russia's parliamentary vote in areas it seized from Ukraine has also contributed to the tensions. The vote was held as the conflict in Ukraine continues for the fifth year. The international community has been critical of Russia's actions in Ukraine, leading to further strain on Russia's relations with the West.
The demand to lift sanctions against all Russians is likely to be met with skepticism by the EU. The EU has made it clear that it will not lift sanctions against Russia unless there is significant progress on the implementation of the Minsk agreements. The agreements aim to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, but progress has been slow.
Key points
- Russia demands EU lift sanctions against all Russian citizens
- EU nations discuss ending measures against oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman
- Kremlin views sanctions as illegal and unjust
