World
EU Delists Two Russian Oligarchs Amid Ukraine's Criticism
The European Union removed Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions list, a move described as a 'difficult compromise'.
The European Union has opted to remove two prominent Russian billionaires, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from its sanctions list, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from Ukraine. This move was part of a broader agreement by the bloc to extend sanctions against a much larger group of individuals and entities for an additional three years, as an end-of-Tuesday deadline loomed for the existing Russia blacklist.
The delisting of Usmanov and Fridman, both of whom are known for their close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, was described by Ireland's EU presidency as a "difficult compromise" for the 27-member bloc. The necessity for unanimous approval on EU sanctions meant that this outcome was reached despite very few member states initially desiring the removal of the two oligarchs from the restrictive measures.
Ukraine promptly voiced its displeasure regarding the EU's decision. Kyiv stated that the delisting of individuals with significant connections to the Russian leadership sends an inappropriate message to Moscow, potentially undermining the collective effort to pressure Russia over its actions in Ukraine. The Ukrainian government has consistently advocated for maintaining and strengthening sanctions against those perceived to be supporting the Kremlin's war efforts.
The broader sanctions regime, which targets nearly 3,000 individuals and companies accused of supporting the conflict in Ukraine, was successfully extended. These measures typically include asset freezes and travel bans, designed to exert economic and political pressure on Russia and its key figures. The extension for three years signifies the EU's continued commitment to these punitive measures, despite the internal complexities highlighted by the recent delistings.
The process of maintaining and renewing EU sanctions often involves intricate negotiations among member states, particularly when unanimous consent is required. The instance of Usmanov and Fridman underscores the challenges inherent in balancing diverse national interests with the overarching strategic goals of the Union. While the vast majority of sanctions remain in place, the specific removals have cast a spotlight on the political dynamics within the bloc as it seeks to uphold its stance against Russia.
Reporting by the The Indian Morning Post Editorial Desk.
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