Despite the EU's decision, Britain will maintain sanctions against Usmanov and Friedman — Bloomberg

The United Kingdom has no plans to lift sanctions against Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Friedman after the European Union removed them from its sanctions list. 

The British government will continue to enforce restrictions against Usmanov and Friedman, despite the EU’s decision. It is noted that Burnham also emphasized the need for Russia’s allies to maintain sanctions against Russia.

According to the agency, the meeting took place on September 23 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Burnham also expressed his disagreement with the EU’s decision to lift restrictions on Usmanov and Friedman.

The United Kingdom imposed sanctions against Usmanov and Friedman in March 2022. Their assets in the country have been frozen, and the businessmen remain on the British sanctions list.

The day before, the Council of the European Union removed both Russian businessmen from the sanctions list. At the same time, restrictions on approximately 3,000 other individuals and entities were extended for three years—until September 22, 2029.

According to media reports, several countries supported the lifting of sanctions against Usmanov. Paris explained its position on the grounds of national security, while Reuters sources linked it to negotiations with Azerbaijan regarding the release of French citizens.

Meanwhile, Luxembourg—against which the businessman had previously filed a $16 billion arbitration claim—pushed for Friedman’s removal from the sanctions list. Slovakia also supported lifting the restrictions on Friedman, while Latvia opposed the removal of both businessmen.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of this during a closed-door meeting in New York, according to 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.