EU removes Russian oligarchs Usmanov and Fridman from sanctions list, Ukraine protests

Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, two Russian businessmen noted for their close connections to President Vladimir Putin, were at the center of a recent development that Kyiv described as sending the wrong signals to Moscow. The Ukrainian foreign ministry issued a statement condemning the action, arguing that it could undermine Kyiv’s diplomatic efforts and weaken the international stance against Russian aggression.

Kyiv’s officials emphasized that any measure perceived as rewarding individuals linked to the Kremlin risks emboldening Moscow and complicating the enforcement of sanctions aimed at curbing Russia’s war in Ukraine. The Ukrainian government said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and maintain its policy of holding Russian-linked actors accountable, reinforcing its commitment to a coordinated response among its allies.