Following the EU's decision, Estonia is imposing sanctions against Usmanov and Friedman

Estonia is imposing its own sanctions against Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, who were removed from the European Union’s sanctions list this week.

Tsahkna said that on Wednesday, September 23, he remotely signed the relevant order from New York, where he is attending the UN General Assembly.

“Estonia did not consider the removal of these two well-known Russian businessmen from the EU sanctions list to be appropriate and did not support this decision. Russia shows no willingness to end the war, so there is no reason to ease the pressure of sanctions,” Tsahkna stated.

He emphasized that Usmanov and Friedman continue to support Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and contribute to its continuation, which is why Estonia is imposing national sanctions against them.

It is noted that Tsakhkna also called on other countries to impose national sanctions against Friedman and Usmanov.

As reported by Ukrinform, on September 22, the Council of the European Union decided to extend restrictive measures against individuals responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine for 36 months—until September 22, 2029. Russian oligarchs Mikhail Friedman and Alisher Usmanov were removed from the list.

France insisted on removing Usmanov from the list, citing national security concerns—reportedly under pressure from Azerbaijan due to the detention of two French citizens. At the same time, Latvia blocked this decision until the member states reached a compromise.

On Wednesday, Azerbaijan pardoned French citizen Martin Ryan, who had been accused of espionage and sentenced to 12 years in prison. This occurred the day after the EU agreed to remove Usmanov from the sanctions list.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced this on social media platform X.

Despite the EU’s decision, the UK will maintain sanctions against Usmanov and Friedman — Bloomberg.

The Price of Compromise: Why the EU Removed Usmanov and Friedman from the Sanctions List.

Oligarchs Usmanov and Friedman blocked the extension of EU sanctions against Russia.

Aliyev pardoned a Frenchman after sanctions against Usmanov were lifted.