Russia Sanctions Lifted for Two Oligarchs

Paris playing into Moscow’s hands France has acted against its allies’ interests, La Stampa (Italy) criticises:JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. “Behind this lies a sensational spy story in which France, the supposed champion of European integration, has effectively played into Russia’s hands for reasons of ‘national interest’. Paris interceded on behalf of the two Russian billionaires to facilitate the release of two French citizens who had been arrested in Baku, Azerbaijan. The deal was basically that Baku – which is very friendly towards Putin – release the two French ‘hostages’ while Paris worked within Europe to have the sanctions [against Usmanov and Fridman] lifted. ... France has thus swept aside the resistance from the Baltic states. More petitesse than grandeur.” Money counts more than principles Opposition politician Yulia Navalnaya’s has scathing words in a Telegram post republished by Echo (Russia) : “Apparently it makes no difference to Europe whether you support the war or not, whether you’re on Putin’s side or against him. Ultimately, what really seems to matter is how much money you have in your bank account. But if you’ve fled Russia, the situation is entirely different: you can’t be granted a visa, you can’t open a bank account, and many obstacles are placed in your way. ... Thanks to you, EU, for reminding us once again that in the world of high politics money still counts for more than principles, and that the fate of ordinary people lies somewhere at the bottom of the list of priorities.” Other Topics of Interest Kremlin Welcomes US Invitation for Putin to Attend G20 Summit Rubio said the invitation to December’s summit in Miami should not be read as a sign that a meeting between the leaders is imminent.