The European Union has decided to lift sanctions against two Russian oligarchs that had been imposed following the invasion of Ukraine. Reports indicate that France notably advocated for the removal of a Russian-Uzbek billionaire from the list, citing “national security concerns.” Meanwhile, Luxembourg played a key role in the removal of a Russian-Israeli businessman who had sued the country to secure the release of frozen assets.
This decision faced intense criticism within Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha described the move as “shameful and unjustifiable.” Sybiha added that “Moscow is celebrating because it has achieved what it wanted: the feeling of impunity, the humiliation of the EU, and discord among Europeans.” He urged all EU member states to instead implement national sanctions against both individuals, a step that Latvia has already announced it will take.
