The EU agreed to remove sanctions on Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, part of a broader deal to extend sanctions on 3,000 individuals and entities for three years. The decision follows a compromise to avoid renewed disputes over sanctions, with France and Luxembourg pushing for the removal of the two figures from the list.
France cited national security concerns in advocating for Usmanov's removal, linked to a potential prisoner release deal involving French nationals in Azerbaijan. Luxembourg sought to remove Fridman, who is suing the country for €15 billion in frozen assets, despite his ties to Putin's inner circle.
The move has sparked backlash from Ukraine and Estonia, with Estonia's foreign minister criticizing the decision as sending the wrong signal at a time of increased Russian pressure on Ukraine. The EU's compromise aims to maintain the sanctions regime but faces criticism for undermining its unity and effectiveness.
Ukraine and Latvia have called for national sanctions on the two oligarchs, with Latvia initially opposing the decision but later abstaining. The EU's decision highlights tensions between national interests and collective action against Russia, with differing interpretations of the sanctions' purpose and effectiveness.