[ad_1]
One of Russia’s richest men said today that imposing sanctions on businessmen would not affect Moscow’s decision to invade Ukraine.
Millionaire banker Mikhail Fridman said at a press conference in London that the war is a tragedy for both sides.
But he did not mention direct criticism, saying that personal comments endanger not only him but also his colleagues and staff.
He joined another businessman, Oleg Deripaska, in calling for peace.
The pair are some of the few oligarchs who have spoken out against Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, already on the sixth day.
Born in Ukraine before the break-up of the Soviet Union, Fridman is the founder of the first Russian private bank Alfa, which runs the investment company LetterOne, with interests in the oil and sales sectors.
The millionaire said that sanctions such as asset freezes and travel bans were unjustified and that he would fight them.
But he added that they would not have any effect in curbing the Kremlin offensive.
He said: “My parents have always told me: for one reason or another you can not be in this position, go to this university or this job, the same thing is happening now in the West because we are Russian.” .
The EU has imposed sanctions since Monday on Friedman, who lives in London and is a partner of Pyotr Aven.
The EU described Friedman as a “senior Russian financier and trainer in Putin’s inner circle”.
Friedman said the conflict in Ukraine should end as soon as possible but did not directly condemn President Vladimir Putin or his actions.
“Please do not encourage me to comment, it is my personal risk, as well as that of my colleagues and staff,” he said.
He added that his companies have thousands of staff in Russia, Ukraine and Britain. “It is a delicate matter, we have many partners and we have no right to get them in trouble.”
Another Russian businessman, Deripaska, founder of one of the largest industrial groups, also prayed for peace in a post on social media.
top channel
[ad_2]
Source link
