Zelensky commented on lifting sanctions against Russian oligarchs

President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky criticized the European Union's decision to lift sanctions from Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, calling such a step 'suicidal and counterproductive'.

Zelensky said this on September 22 after a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New York.

According to the Ukrainian president, the parties discussed further sanction pressure on Russia. Zelensky noted that the EU decision was made at a time when Russian troops continue to strike Ukraine.

'Signals about lifting sanctions from individual Russian oligarchs look suicidal and counterproductive', — the president said.

Zelensky emphasized that wars, in his opinion, end due to decisiveness and strength, not due to concessions for people connected with the Russian economy. He also thanked von der Leyen for readiness to work on adding new Russian individuals to the EU sanctions lists.

On September 22, the EU Council finally excluded Usmanov and Fridman from the list of persons subject to restrictions for actions threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The decision provides for lifting the asset freezes and travel bans to the European Union on them.

At the same time, EU countries agreed to extend personal sanctions against the remaining listed persons and organizations for 36 months instead of the regular review every six months.

Zelensky had opposed the possible lifting of restrictions on Usmanov and Fridman as early as September 12. Then he stated that Russian big business should feel the consequences of the war and pressure Russia's leadership to stop the hostilities.

Based on materials from: Vladimir Zelensky, EUR-Lex, Office of the President of Ukraine