Europe accuses the owner of Dia of financing Putin and finalizes the freezing of all his assets

Mikjail Fridman, the Russian oligarch who owns the Dia supermarket chain in Spain, is facing economic sanctions from the European Union against Russia for the invasion of Ukraine. In the draft prepared by the EU Foreign Affairs Council and to which the newspaper has had access The country. The document ensures that Fridman, who also owns Alpha Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in Russia, “has cultivated strong ties with the Administration of Valdimir Putin and has been one of the reference financiers of his close circle” . Europe plans to freeze all his assets and ban him from entering the territory of the European Union.

Fridman, who is of Ukrainian origin, “has materially and financially supported and benefited from decisions on the annexation of Crimea or the destabilization of eastern Ukraine” and “has supported policies that undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and Ukrainian independence”.

The tycoon was investigated by the National Court for possible market manipulation to gain control of Dia, although the case was finally filed and, in fact, he ended up rescuing the company with the purchase of its debt.

Yesterday, the tycoon expressed his “deep sadness” over the war in Ukraine and his wish that the “bloodshed” stop. In a letter sent to LetterOne staff, Fridman, closely linked to Putin, is convinced that “war can never be the answer” and assures that the current conflict is a “tragedy” for both Russia and Ukraine.

Businessman

“I do not make political statements, I am a businessman with responsibilities towards my many thousands of employees in Russia and Ukraine. However, I am convinced that war can never be the answer,” he said.

In the letter he explains that “this crisis will cost lives and damage two nations that have been brothers for hundreds of years. While a solution seems terribly far away, I can only join those whose fervent wish is that the bloodshed ends. I’m sure my partners share my point of view.”

Fridman recalls that he was born in western Ukraine, where he lived until the age of 17, and that his parents are Ukrainian citizens and live in Lviv, his “favorite” city. However, he points out that he has also spent “much” of his life as a citizen of Russia, “building and growing businesses.”

Attachment to Ukraine and Russia

“I am deeply attached to the Ukrainian and Russian peoples and see the current conflict as a tragedy for both of them,” he stressed in the letter, thanking all LetterOne employees for their “hard work.” “I know that all the noise makes our professional lives more difficult and I really appreciate your calm and supportive approach throughout this truly sad time,” he said.