Estonia joined Latvia in objecting to removal of Usmanov and Fridman from sanctions list - Estonian FM

RIGA - Estonia joined Latvia in objecting to the removal of Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the European Union (EU) sanctions list, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told LETA.

Tsahkna linked the removal of Usmanov and Fridman from the sanctions list to France’s position.

The politician explained that the existing EU sanctions were to be extended, and this required the unanimous consent of all member states. "We were in a very difficult situation where sanctions against all 3,000 individuals, starting with [Russian dictator Vladimir] Putin, would have expired. That was the reason, and in the end, Latvia understood this too," Tsahkna said, explaining why Latvia ultimately stood alone in its position at the end of the discussions.

As previously reported, Latvia was the last country to oppose the lifting of EU sanctions against Usmanov and Fridman, but ultimately withdrew its objections. Ukraine also criticized the decision to lift sanctions against the two oligarchs, arguing that the EU should instead increase pressure on Moscow. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on EU member states to impose national sanctions on the two businessmen.

Under the agreement, EU sanctions against approximately 3,000 individuals and entities, including Russian dictator Putin, have been extended for three years; however, Usmanov and Fridman have been removed from the sanctions list.

France justified the need to lift sanctions against Usmanov on the grounds of national security, but did not provide further details. The Financial Times reported that this could be linked to a possible agreement on the release of French citizens imprisoned in Azerbaijan.

According to diplomats, Luxembourg requested the lifting of sanctions against Fridman in connection with a lawsuit he filed against that country, in which he is seeking EUR 15 billion in damages for assets that were frozen under EU sanctions.

The Latvian government imposed nationwide financial and entry restrictions on Usmanov and Fridman.