European Union
Ukraine anger as EU removes Russian oligarchs from sanctions list
Reuters Usmanov is described as having particularly close ties to President Putin The European Union is to remove sanctions on two oligarchs imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to reports, prompting anger in Ukraine. France had campaigned for Russian-Uzbek billionaire Alisher Usmanov to be taken off the list, citing “national security concerns”. Luxembourg called for the removal of Russian-Israeli businessman Mikhail Fridman, who is suing the country for the release of frozen assets. Latvia initially opposed the deal but agreed to a compromise, part of whichRead more
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy calls for Europe’s help in buying artillery shells
European Union leaders said on Thursday that they will continue to support Ukraine, but they did not immediately endorse a call by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to approve a package of at least five billion euros ($7.8 billion Cdn) for artillery purchases. “We need funds for artillery shells and would really appreciate Europe’s support … as soon as possible,” Zelenskyy told the EU leaders meeting in Brussels via video link. Arriving at the summit in Brussels, the bloc’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas had also called on leaders to match words ofRead more