Sibiga called on the EU to maintain sanctions against Russian oligarchs
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga called on the European Union not to lift sanctions against Russian oligarchs.
The foreign minister commented on the situation surrounding the extension of European restrictions against Russian citizens deemed responsible for violating Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU Member States in Brussels extended the sanctions regime regarding the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty for a period of seven days, as Slovakia and France continue to insist on the removal of two Russian oligarchs from the list: Mikhail Fridman and Alisher Usmanov.
“Putin’s inner circle and those who facilitate Russian aggression must remain on the sanctions list,” Sibiga stated.
According to the Ukrainian minister, lifting sanctions against key Russian oligarchs linked to the regime, such as Usmanov and Friedman, "is difficult to understand—especially at a time when Russia is intensifying its terror against our people and its targeted campaign to destroy Ukraine’s economy."
“Individual sanctions are an effective tool for singling out and restricting the activities of those who support the Russian war machine. These individuals must be named and held accountable,” Sibiga emphasized.
The foreign minister stressed that extending individual sanctions by 12 months instead of the current 6 months “would send a clear signal to the Kremlin that Europe will not be intimidated by Russia’s reckless escalation.”
“Sanctions are effective only when they ensure long-term, sustained, and irreversible pressure for as long as Russia continues its aggression. Otherwise, Europe risks playing exactly the game that Russia expects it to play,” he added.
He posted this on social media platform X on the evening of September 14.
As a reminder, oligarchs Usmanov and Friedman blocked the extension of EU sanctions against Russia.
Kallas announced new sanctions against Russia.
The EU has published a full list of new sanctions against Russia.
