#Alisher Usmanov

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that France must explain its insistence on lifting EU sanctions against Usmanov and Fridman. Paris cited national security, but insiders point to pressure from Azerbaijan.

Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs explained why Riga abstained when voting on the lifting of sanctions against Usmanov and Fridman: the country chose between excluding two individuals and 2,600 others. All three Baltic states introduced national restrictions.

Kyiv called the EU's decision to lift sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman 'shameful.' Vlasyuk stated that Ukraine will prepare alternative restrictions against oligarchs linked to the military-industrial complex.

The EU Committee of Permanent Representatives agreed to remove Usmanov and Fridman from the sanctions list. Kyiv called the decision 'shameful,' and Ukraine's Foreign Ministry urged bloc countries to impose national sanctions on both.

The EU failed to reach an agreement on lifting sanctions against Usmanov and Fridman at its September 22 meeting. Slovakia demands excluding both, France proposes a compromise, the majority is against any exceptions. The meeting was extended.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that removing Usmanov and Fridman from the EU sanctions lists would be a false signal to Moscow. Paris and Bratislava are lobbying for the lifting of the restrictions.