The European Union has agreed to remove Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from its sanctions lists following sustained diplomatic pressure from France, Slovakia, and Luxembourg. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha called the decision shameful and unjustified, warning that Moscow achieved its desired outcome of impunity and the humiliation of European unity.
Norway Weighs EU Alignment Amid Diplomatic Pressure
Nettavisen asked the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs if Oslo will follow the EU’s decision to drop Usmanov and Fridman. Ministry spokesperson Ane Lunde stated that Norway stands alongside European partners and has historically implemented EU sanctions packages into Norwegian law to ensure predictable frameworks for domestic actors. However, the ministry did not explicitly clarify whether the two oligarchs will be removed from Norway’s national sanctions list, leaving the government’s exact next steps ambiguous.
Expert Analysis on Norway’s EU Sanctions Coping Strategy
Eirik Bergesen, a former diplomat and current political commentator who previously worked with EU sanctions in Brussels, told Nettavisen that Norway will likely mirror the EU’s trajectory. Bergesen noted that while Norway adopted a dedicated sanctions law in 2021 to speed up implementation, the country’s status as a non-EU member prevents it from participating in the internal meetings where these compromises are forged. He cautioned that Oslo risks looking like a mere copy machine of Brussels rather than conducting independent evaluations.
Political Opposition Demands Stricter National Measures
The Green Party (Miljøpartiet de Grønne) reacted sharply to the prospect of Norway dropping sanctions against two of Russia’s wealthiest individuals. Julie Stuestøl, representing the party in the parliamentary committee on justice, stated that sanctions against Russia must be strengthened rather than weakened. Stuestøl pointed out that Norway remains the sole European nation permitting Russian fishing vessels to deliver catches in ports like Kirkenes, Tromsø, and Båtsfjord, arguing that Oslo should take the lead rather than follow Brussels.
Background on the Targeted Oligarchs
Jakub Godzimirski, a long-standing researcher on Russian security policy, confirmed that both Fridman and Usmanov are authentic Russian oligarchs who accumulated vast fortunes during the transition from communism to capitalism. Fridman founded Alfabank, one of Russia’s largest banks, before selling his stake following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, while Usmanov amassed wealth through metals and mining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman removed from EU sanctions?
France, Slovakia, and Luxembourg pushed for their removal, with France demanding Usmanov’s exclusion as part of a prisoner exchange involving Azerbaijan.
How has Ukraine responded to the EU decision?
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha condemned the move as shameful and unjustified, stating it hands Moscow a victory of impunity and deepens European divisions.
Will Norway follow the EU and drop sanctions against the oligarchs?
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Norway aligns with European sanctions policy, but declined to clarify whether Usmanov and Fridman specifically will be scrubbed from national lists.
What assets do the oligarchs hold in the West?
Both men hold substantial fortunes and real estate properties in Western jurisdictions that were frozen when EU sanctions took effect following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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