EU Eases Sanctions on Russian Billionaires in Diplomatic Swap, Critics Say

France and the EU are reportedly working to lift sanctions on Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman as part of a deal involving Azerbaijan and the release of detained French citizens. Critics, including Yulia Navalnaya, argue that financial interests are overriding principles and support for ordinary Russians. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Baltic states, with Italian media accusing Paris of playing into Moscow's hands.

The reported arrangement centers on a diplomatic trade: Azerbaijan, which maintains close ties with Moscow, would release two French citizens detained in Baku, while Paris would leverage its influence within the EU to remove sanctions against Usmanov and Fridman. Both billionaires were sanctioned following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Usmanov having previously challenged these measures through legal channels in European courts.

The controversy has exposed fractures within EU unity, as Baltic states reportedly opposed the sanctions relief while France pushed forward despite their resistance. Yulia Navalnaya's public criticism highlights a perceived double standard, noting that ordinary Russians who fled the country face visa restrictions and banking difficulties, while wealthy individuals with connections receive preferential treatment. Italian media characterized France's actions as prioritizing national interests over European solidarity.