Ukraine condemned the EU's decision to lift sanctions on oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman as "shameful and unjustifiable." Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the move gives Moscow a sense of impunity and urged all EU states to impose national sanctions. The EU did extend sanctions on about 3,000 others for 36 months; those listed are accused of supporting or profiting from Russia's war in Ukraine.
Ukraine Condemns EU's 'Shameful' Decision to Lift Sanctions on Two Russian Oligarchs
Andriy Sybiha, Foreign Minister of Ukraine, speaks to journalists, ahead of the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting at the European Council building in Brussels. (is associated with: «Kiev slams 'shameful' lifting of EU sanctions on Russian oligarchs») Elisa Schu/dpa
Ukraine has strongly criticised the European Union's decision to lift sanctions on two Russian billionaires, calling the move "shameful and unjustifiable." Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned the decision risks rewarding Moscow and deepening divisions within the EU.
"Moscow is celebrating because it got what it wanted: a sense of impunity, the humiliation of the EU, and division among Europeans," Sybiha wrote on X.
Sybiha urged all EU member states to respond by imposing their own national sanctions on the two men named in the decision: Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.
Sanctions Update
The EU agreed to remove measures targeting Usmanov and Fridman while simultaneously extending restrictive measures on roughly 3,000 other individuals, organisations and companies for an additional 36 months. Those on the extended list are accused of supporting Russia's war against Ukraine or of profiting from Kremlin policies.
The announcement comes amid Ukraine's ongoing defence against a large-scale Russian invasion that began in February 2022, with continued assistance from Western partners. Kyiv and its supporters say coherent, united sanctions are a critical tool to hold those who enable the war accountable.
What Kyiv Wants Next: Ukraine is calling for EU member states to fill any perceived enforcement gaps with national measures and to preserve unity in the bloc's approach to Russia.
Help us improve.
