Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has denounced the European Union's decision to lift sanctions on two Russian oligarchs, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, as "shameful and unjustifiable". The move has been seen as a concession to the Kremlin and counterproductive to efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Zelensky made the remarks after meeting EU chief Ursula von der Leyen in New York on Tuesday.
The EU had earlier agreed to prolong sanctions on Russia, but the deal also included the removal of Usmanov and Fridman from the blacklist. Zelensky expressed his gratitude to von der Leyen for her willingness to work on adding more Russian names to the EU sanctions list. He emphasized that wars end through resolve and strength, not concessions to the aggressor's entourage.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga also criticized the EU's decision, stating that Moscow is celebrating the move as a sense of impunity and humiliation for the EU. Sybiga urged EU countries to impose their own national sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman. The Ukrainian government has been vocal in its opposition to the lifting of sanctions on the two oligarchs.
The EU's decision to lift sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman has been seen as a compromise deal. The move has sparked concerns that it may be perceived as a sign of weakness by Russia. Ukraine has been engaged in a long-standing conflict with Russia, which has resulted in significant human suffering and economic losses.
Zelensky's meeting with von der Leyen in New York was seen as an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the EU's support for the country. The Ukrainian government has been seeking increased support from the international community to counter Russian aggression.
The lifting of sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman has sparked widespread criticism in Ukraine and among Ukraine's allies. The move has been seen as a setback for efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine. The EU has been under pressure to maintain a strong stance against Russia.
The conflict in Ukraine has resulted in significant human suffering and economic losses. The international community has been working to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but efforts have been hindered by Russia's continued support for separatist groups in eastern Ukraine. The EU's decision to lift sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman has sparked concerns that it may undermine efforts to resolve the conflict.
Key points
- Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has denounced the EU's decision to lift sanctions on two Russian oligarchs as "shameful and unjustifiable".
- The EU's decision to lift sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman has sparked widespread criticism in Ukraine and among Ukraine's allies.
- The conflict in Ukraine has resulted in significant human suffering and economic losses.
