Estonia imposes domestic sanctions on two Russian businessmen

Estonia has imposed national sanctions on Russian businessmen Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, days after the European Union removed the two men from its sanctions list.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said Tallinn opposed the EU decision and had decided to maintain restrictions on the two businessmen at the national level. Estonia formally imposed the measures after EU member states agreed to extend broader Russia-related sanctions for three years while removing Usmanov and Fridman from the bloc's list.

“In a situation where Russia shows no willingness whatsoever to end the war, there is no justification for easing sanctions pressure,” Tsahkna said.

He added that Estonia considers Usmanov and Fridman to continue supporting Russia's aggression against Ukraine and contributing to its continuation.

“Usmanov and Fridman continue to support Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and contribute to its continuation. That is why Estonia has imposed national sanctions on them,” Tsahkna said.

The EU agreed on September 22 to extend sanctions against nearly 3,000 individuals and entities linked to Russia's aggression for 36 months, rather than the previous six-month renewal periods. The agreement also removed Usmanov and Fridman from the EU sanctions list.

Latvia and Lithuania have also taken or announced national measures against the two businessmen following their removal from the EU list.

By Tamilla Hasanova