McFaul proposed lifting sanctions against billionaires for condemning the Russian Federation and transferring wealth to Ukraine

Former US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul has proposed lifting sanctions on Russian businessmen who condemn the military operation and donate half of their wealth to Ukraine.

According to the former US Ambassador to Moscow Michael McFaul, all Russian billionaires should be subject to sanctions, but they should also have the option of lifting restrictions. In his opinion, in order to get out of the sanctions, businessmen should condemn the military actions in Ukraine, as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin, donate half of their fortune to the Ukraine Recovery Fund and refuse to invest in Russia.

“This formula also gives them a choice. It seems fair to me,” wrote the ex-ambassador. He also called for the introduction of restrictions for Russian tourists, for example, a complete ban on entry or the inclusion of a fee for the restoration of Ukraine in the cost of visas to Europe and “other democratic countries.” According to McFaul, sanctions need to be expanded against Russians who hold public office. It seems fair to the diplomat that officials can leave their posts and thus avoid restrictive measures. “Or stay in these positions and get sanctions,” he said.

Russian businessmen working and earning income in Russia are unlikely to take seriously the proposal to lift Western sanctions in exchange for condemning the military operation in Ukraine and donating part of their fortune to Kiev, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, RBC correspondent reports. “Large entrepreneurs have their feet on Russian soil. Their enterprises operate here, their investments operate here in Russia, their business is conducted here, their main income also arises here. Therefore, those who stand with their feet here, of course, such proposals are unlikely to be taken seriously,” he said.

Peskov also recalled that the Russian authorities consider Western sanctions illegal from the point of view of international law.

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