Russia sanctions lifted for two oligarchs
The EU has agreed at the last minute to extend the current sanctions against Russia – which target around 3,000 individuals and organisations – for another three years. However at the instigation of France and Slovakia, two oligarchs, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, have been removed from the list. Kyiv is outraged. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha describe the decision as "shameful and unjustifiable".
Paris playing into Moscow’s hands
France has acted against its allies' interests, La Stampa criticises:
“Behind this lies a sensational spy story in which France, the supposed champion of European integration, has effectively played into Russia's hands for reasons of 'national interest'. Paris interceded on behalf of the two Russian billionaires to facilitate the release of two French citizens who had been arrested in Baku, Azerbaijan. The deal was basically that Baku – which is very friendly towards Putin – release the two French 'hostages' while Paris worked within Europe to have the sanctions [against Usmanov and Fridman] lifted. ... France has thus swept aside the resistance from the Baltic states. More petitesse than grandeur.”
Money counts more than principles
Opposition politician Yulia Navalnaya's has scathing words in a Telegram post republished by Echo:
“Apparently it makes no difference to Europe whether you support the war or not, whether you're on Putin's side or against him. Ultimately, what really seems to matter is how much money you have in your bank account. But if you've fled Russia, the situation is entirely different: you can't be granted a visa, you can't open a bank account, and many obstacles are placed in your way. ... Thanks to you, EU, for reminding us once again that in the world of high politics money still counts for more than principles, and that the fate of ordinary people lies somewhere at the bottom of the list of priorities.”