By James Simons-
The imposition of sanctions on Russian oligarchs would have no impact on Moscow’s decision to launch a war in Ukraine, a Russian oligarch has said.
Billionaire banker Mikhail Friedman has told a press conference in London that the war was a tragedy for both sides, but resisted the urge to condemn the Russian government, stating that such personal remarks could be a risk not just to himself but also staff and colleagues.
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The wealthy business man who was born in Ukraine before the break-up of the Soviet Union, was the founder of Russia’s biggest private bank, Alfa, and also runs investment firm LetterOne which has extensive interests in oil and retailing. He finds himself in the very uncomfortable position of living in London, but at the same time having strong ties with both Ukraine and Russia.
Friedman, who lives in London, was hit by sanctions from the European Union, who have described him as “a top Russian financier and enabler of Putin’s inner circle”. He has neither denied nor accepted the specific allegations, but has expressed a desire for peace. The call for peace could potentially be viewed as cry to protect his own business interests- whether his financial wealth is of any extra aid to the Putin machine may be a matter for verification in the legal arena.
Friedman has criticized the sanctions, which freeze some assets and impose a travel ban, stating that they were unjustified, and that he would fight them.
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Friedman, who lives in London, was hit by sanctions from the European Union, who have described him as “a top Russian financier and enabler of Putin’s inner circle”.
He said his companies had tens of thousands of staff in Russia, Ukraine and the UK. “It’s a very sensitive issue. We have adozens of partners and I do not have a right to put all of them at risk.”
Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska said in a social media post Sunday. “Negotiations need to start as soon as possible!”
Friedman , whose bank was sanctioned said: “I am deeply attached to Ukrainian and Russian peoples and see the current conflict as a tragedy for them both,” . “This crisis will cost lives and damage two nations who have been brothers for hundreds of years,” Fridman added. “While a solution seems frighteningly far off, I can only join those whose fervent desire is for the bloodshed to end.”
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