Russian billionaire, founder of Alfa-Bank, Mikhail Fridman, for the first time since the start of the war with Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions against him, gave interview Bloomberg Businessweek.
The businessman called Western restrictions on Russian entrepreneurs illogical. Europe mistakenly believes that businessmen can influence the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to conduct hostilities in a neighboring country, the oligarch believes.
The publication writes that Friedman was in a strange position. The day after the imposition of sanctions, a billionaire living in London discovered that his bank card was not working. After blocking the accounts, Friedman must apply to the British government for permission to use the money. London may limit the billionaire’s spending to £2,500, Bloomberg Businessweek notes.
According to Friedman, he is trying to figure out the payment of even minor expenses – in particular, the services of a cleaning lady. The businessman admitted that the solution of such issues was unexpected for him.
Friedman has Israeli citizenship, but there is no housing there. The businessman cannot buy it, as his accounts are blocked. At the same time, the billionaire noted that his problems are “nothing” compared to what is happening on the territory of Ukraine.
In addition, Friedman said he hoped to protect himself from sanctions through partnerships with Western companies, but this did not happen. “I don’t know how to live on,” – quotes the words of the billionaire Bloomberg Businessweek.
The Russian armed invasion of Ukraine began on February 24 on the orders of President Vladimir Putin. In response, the US and Western countries imposed sanctions against Moscow, which also affected Russian oligarchs. Mikhail Fridman came under EU sanctions on February 28. On March 15, the UK imposed restrictions on the billionaire.
