EU to extend sanctions against Russia for three years while removing Russian billionaires Usmanov and Fridman – Reuters
EU ambassadors agreed to remove Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the sanctions list. At the same time, they agreed to extend restrictions on the remaining approximately 3,000 individuals and entities for a full three years.
As Censor.NET reports, this was reported by Reuters.
Usmanov and Fridman to be removed from sanctions list
The decision concerning the two billionaires was part of an agreement among European Union member states. Sanctions against the remaining approximately 3,000 individuals and entities will be extended for three years.
This marks an unprecedented step, as sanctions were previously extended for six or 12 months.
Latvia was the last country to oppose removing Usmanov and Fridman from the list. It ultimately agreed to the decision.
How EU countries demanded changes to sanctions
Earlier, France demanded that Alisher Usmanov be removed from the EU sanctions list. The country cited national security concerns to explain its position.
Luxembourg subsequently began demanding a similar decision regarding Mikhail Fridman.
Slovakia also supported removing both billionaires from the sanctions list.
