Estonia reverses course after Usmanov and Fridman sanctions are lifted
Photo: Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna (Getty Images)
Estonia has imposed its own national sanctions on Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said.
According to the diplomat, Estonia did not consider it right and did not support lifting the EU sanctions on the two Russian businessmen, although it voted in favor of the decision.
"When Russia shows no willingness whatsoever to end the war, there are no grounds for easing sanctions pressure," Tsahkna stressed.
He noted that Usmanov and Fridman continue to support Russia's aggression against Ukraine and contribute to its continuation.
"Therefore, Estonia has imposed national sanctions on them," the foreign minister explained.
Earlier, Tsahkna said that Estonia, like most other EU members, had been forced to lift sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman following pressure from France.
However, as the diplomat noted, France's allies have not received an explanation from Paris yet.
"They (France - ed.) need to explain what they are doing. There have been no substantive explanations," the Estonian foreign minister said.
Lithuania may also impose sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman
On September 24, it became known that Lithuania's Foreign Ministry had proposed adding the Russian oligarchs to the country's national list of undesirable persons.
Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys asked Lithuania's Interior Ministry to add Usmanov and Fridman to the list.
Moreover, they could be banned from entering the country for five years.
Budrys also officially confirmed that he is preparing legal measures aimed at freezing Usmanov's and Fridman's funds and economic resources.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported on why the EU has already begun to regret lifting sanctions on Usmanov and Fridman.
We also reported that the EU is experiencing a "certain fatigue" over tightening sanctions against Russia.
