Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs has raised concerns over the EU’s recent decision to delist two Russian oligarchs from sanctions. He argues that this ‘cherry-picking’ approach risks normalising Russia’s actions and undermines the integrity of the sanctions regime. Kulbergs, who opposed the compromise, believes that such exemptions should not become a precedent in future discussions on sanctions.
The decision to remove Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the sanctions list was made after lengthy negotiations, with France advocating for their delisting as part of a broader diplomatic deal. This move has sparked fears among Baltic states, which have consistently pushed for stringent measures against Russia.
Kulbergs emphasised that while the EU has extended the sanctions list for three years, the recent exemptions send a troubling message. He warned that this could encourage similar requests in the future, potentially eroding the collective stance against Russian aggression.
As Latvia prepares for upcoming elections, the Prime Minister’s stance reflects a broader concern about the security of Eastern Europe. He highlighted the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia and ensuring that any future negotiations do not compromise the EU’s commitment to uphold sanctions effectively.
Source: Euronews
