**Latvian PM Opposes Proposal to Lift Sanctions on Russian Billionaires Usmanov and Fridman**
In a decisive stance against a controversial proposal, Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has expressed his government's opposition to lifting European Union (EU) sanctions on Russian-linked billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman. The proposed deal, which would see sanctions on these two individuals removed, has raised significant concerns among Latvia and other EU member states.
The context of this proposal arises as the current sanctions, which include asset freezes and travel bans, are set to expire at midnight on Tuesday unless all 27 EU member countries reach a unanimous decision to renew them. The sanctions were originally imposed in response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, reflecting the EU's broader strategy to hold individuals and entities accountable for their involvement in the conflict.
Under the proposal, while sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman would be lifted, approximately 3,000 other Russia-linked individuals and entities would see their sanctions renewed for a period of three years. Prime Minister Kulbergs articulated Latvia's position on social media, stating, “Extending sanctions for 36 months would be the right step. However, the price for it must not be simply striking both individuals from the sanctions list. Latvia cannot accept such an offer.”
This development follows recent actions by France, which has sparked outrage among its EU partners and Ukraine. France, alongside Slovakia, has been advocating for the lifting of sanctions on Usmanov, a move that has been interpreted as yielding to pressure from Azerbaijan, where at least two French nationals have been detained. In a similar vein, Luxembourg has called for the same treatment for Fridman, a Russian businessman.
Diplomatic sources indicate that Luxembourg's position may be influenced by concerns that its case to maintain sanctions against Fridman could be undermined if sanctions on Usmanov are lifted. Both Usmanov and Fridman have contested the sanctions imposed against them and are pursuing legal avenues to have them revoked. Fridman, in particular, is claiming $16 billion from Luxembourg in a case currently under arbitration.
In light of these developments, Prime Minister Kulbergs announced plans to convene an emergency cabinet meeting to further discuss Latvia's position and strategy regarding the sanctions. He emphasized Latvia's commitment to collaborating with Brussels and Paris to ensure that the country's interests are adequately represented and protected.
As the situation evolves, EU ambassadors are scheduled to resume discussions on Tuesday morning in an effort to resolve the ongoing impasse. The outcome of these negotiations will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the EU's unified stance on sanctions against Russia and its allies.
Latvia's firm opposition highlights the complexities and divisions within the EU regarding how to handle sanctions in the context of geopolitical pressures and individual member states' interests. As the deadline for renewal approaches, the EU's ability to present a united front will be tested in the coming hours.