Britain will not lift sanctions on Usmanov and Friedman despite EU decision, Bloomberg says

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Andy Burnham expressed disagreement with the European Union's decision to lift sanctions on Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Friedman. During a meeting with the President of Ukraine, the British politician stressed that London would maintain the restrictions.

Bloomberg reports, citing informed sources, that the private conversation between the leaders took place during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Britain's decision

The British prime minister urged Ukraine's allies to maintain pressure with sanctions in order to force Russia to end the war.

The Downing Street official statement does not explicitly mention Brussels' decision, but confirms the stance on the need to strengthen sanctions to compel the aggressor state to sit at the negotiating table.

Burns’ statement marks a rare split between the United Kingdom and the EU on Russia-related sanctions. Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, London and Brussels have mostly coordinated their actions.

Relations of Russian oligarchs with the United Kingdom

The publication reminded that both Russian billionaires have a history with Britain. Alisher Usmanov is best known for his investments in the London football club Arsenal, from which he fully exited in 2018.

Mikhail Friedman moved to London in 2013. He left it after sanctions were imposed against him.

As a reminder, the EU's decision provides for continuing sanctions against nearly 3 thousand businessmen, politicians, and companies of Russia for three years. However, Usmanov and Friedman were removed from the list. France pressed for lifting sanctions on Usmanov, while Luxembourg lobbied for a decision on Friedman.