Latvia has exercised its veto power to block a proposed deal within the European Union that sought to remove Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov from the bloc’s sanctions roster. The decision underscores the ongoing friction among member states regarding the pace and scope of EU punitive measures against Moscow’s elite.
Under current EU rules, sanctions listings typically require unanimous agreement from all member nations. This means any single country can halt a decision to add or remove an individual from the restrictive measures list. Latvia’s objection effectively prevents Usmanov from having his assets frozen and travel bans lifted at this time.
Usmanov, a prominent Uzbek-born Russian billionaire with close ties to President Vladimir Putin, has long been a target of Western scrutiny. He was among the first Russian oligarchs to face sanctions following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite his listed status, various reports and legal challenges have periodically pushed for his de-listing, often citing a lack of direct involvement in the war or asserting disproportionate financial impact.
The veto highlights the diverging perspectives within the EU on how strictly to enforce economic pressure against key supporters of the Kremlin. While some member states advocate for targeted relief based on specific legal criteria, others, including Latvia, maintain that allowing sanctioned figures like Usmanov back onto the unrestricted list would undermine the EU’s cohesive stance against Russian aggression.
Interesting that legal challenges keep pushing for his release despite the ongoing war. The EU really is divided on this.
Does this mean Usmanov can still operate freely in other EU countries? That seems like a major loophole.
Good on Latvia. We cannot afford soft spots when it comes to Putin’s inner circle.