EU removes two Russian oligarchs from sanctions list as Ukraine condemns move. France and Luxembourg pushed to remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from EU sanctions list, despite Ukraine's condemnation.
France pushed to remove Usmanov from sanctions list, citing national security concerns. Luxembourg called for removal of Fridman, who is suing Latvia for frozen assets. Latvia initially opposed but agreed to compromise.
The move sends mixed signals to Russia and risks undermining EU unity. Ukraine called the decision 'unacceptable' and warned it sends the wrong message to Moscow. Latvia has already announced national sanctions on the two individuals.
Ukraine and Russia both reacted strongly to the decision. Ukraine condemned the move as sending the wrong signal to Moscow, while Russia's spokesperson welcomed the prospect of the two oligarchs being taken off the list.