Ukraine criticizes potential lifting of sanctions on Russian oligarchs

Ukraine has declared it is "unacceptable" for the European Union to consider lifting sanctions imposed on two Russian oligarchs, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. Kiev's position follows reports about France's proposal to suspend these sanctions, which aim to pressure Russia regarding its invasion of Ukraine.

According to reports, France's proposal was backed by Luxembourg but faced resistance from several EU member countries, including Latvia, which decided to abstain from the vote. Paris justified the lifting of sanctions based on national security reasons.

The European Council, in its most recent meeting, failed to reach an agreement on the issue of sanctions, with diplomats indicating that negotiations to renew restrictions against Russia remain open-ended.

The oligarchs in question, Usmanov and Fridman, were included on the sanctions list in response to the war in Ukraine. The possibility of their removal is seen as allowing these individuals to regain access to their assets and businesses in Europe.

The discussion has generated significant division among EU member states, with some warning that the suspension of sanctions could be misinterpreted as a loosening of pressure on Moscow, especially at a time when the Ukrainian conflict persists.

In a broader context, Ukraine's position reflects Kiev's concern over EU solidarity in maintaining sanctions, as efforts to tighten restrictions on Moscow continue. Meanwhile, France and other countries will keep negotiating possible solutions.