Lithuania's government on Wednesday decided to add Russian oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman to its national sanctions list, freezing their funds and economic resources, according to officials.
The Foreign Ministry proposed the sanctions, which will remain in effect until the end of 2027. Both Russian citizens were previously added to Lithuania's unwanted persons list in late September.
Lithuania took the national action after the European Union removed Usmanov and Fridman from its sanctions list. The Lithuanian government objected to the EU decision and abstained from voting on it.
"Lithuania consistently objects on political grounds to any removal from the EU sanctions list," the Foreign Ministry stated. The ministry added that Latvia and Estonia have taken similar measures.
The EU sanctions against both oligarchs were lifted following requests from several member states. Latvia had initially opposed the EU sanctions removal for Usmanov and Fridman but ultimately did not block the decision.
According to Lithuanian officials, Usmanov and Fridman had provided material or financial support to Russian decision-makers responsible for the annexation of Crimea and the destabilization of Ukraine. Officials said the oligarchs benefited from these actions and actively supported the Russian government's policies toward Ukraine.
The national sanctions imposed by Lithuania freeze the oligarchs' funds and economic resources within Lithuanian jurisdiction. The measure represents Lithuania's independent response to the EU's decision to remove the two oligarchs from its broader sanctions regime against Russia.