Sanctions
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, press briefing.
Date: 2024-03-20 14:01
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 15m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
This information session focused on the topic of sanctions, during which Riigikogu member Anti Poolamets directed questions to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who was acting in the capacity of Prime Minister. The main subjects covered were the effectiveness of sanctions imposed on Russia, the potential for their circumvention, and specifically the activities of businessman Oleg Ossinovski, who, during the war in Ukraine, registered his Russian railway businesses under the name of a close relative and executed large transactions involving the iron ore of oligarch Alisher Usmanov. During the debate, the question of Ossinovski's funding of political parties was raised, along with a demand that the donations be returned. Also discussed was the draft law concerning the utilization of frozen assets, which would allow for the confiscation of property belonging to Russian oligarchs and its redirection toward supporting Ukraine. The Minister stressed Estonia's active role in establishing sanctions at the EU level and provided examples of concrete actions, such as the confiscation of machine tools in cooperation with the US.
Decisions Made 1
No specific decisions were adopted, but the minister confirmed that Eesti 200 is discussing its donation policy and called for support for the passing of the frozen assets bill in the Riigikogu.
Most Active Speaker
The most active participant was Anti Poolamets, who raised the main questions and follow-up questions concerning sanctions and the activities of Oleg Ossinovski. His stance was clearly oppositional, demanding a stricter approach from the government and political parties regarding donations linked to oligarchs.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Member of the Riigikogu Anti Poolamets is asking Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who is fulfilling the duties of the Prime Minister, a question regarding the topic of sanctions.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets stresses that continuous attention must be paid to the issue of sanctions because Western firms are supporting the Russian war industry. He calls for an investigation into the financial background of Ossinovski and related individuals, and the consideration of returning the donations, in order to protect Estonia's international reputation and the credibility of the sanctions.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized that Estonia is a very strict advocate for the European Union in sanctions policy, pushing for a complete trade embargo with Russia and the equalization of sanctions against Belarus. However, since the EU currently lacks consensus, it is necessary to ensure the strict implementation of sanctions, maintain close supervision, and provide a public explanation of their objectives.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar concluded his address, offered his thanks, and invited Anti Poolamets to pose a clarifying question.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets accuses Estonian leaders of sanction evasion and business activities operating due to Usmanov's influence. He calls on them to set an example by returning donations and distancing themselves from Ossinovski’s activities, and to halt the channeling of machine tools to the Russian war industry through Estonia.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized that Estonia is actively engaged in imposing sanctions and utilizing assets frozen against Russian oligarchs, provided examples of confiscation, and called on all political parties to jointly support the bill, the aim of which is to use the revenue generated from the frozen assets as aid for Ukraine.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Ants Frosch stressed that although the draft legislation concerning sanctions and frozen assets is currently abstract, the central issue remains the use of Usmanov's 35,000 euro donation for the party's benefit and the simplicity of its return. He inquired when this matter would be debated, what the legal and security risks are, and whether these risks could be managed in a way that ensures decisions are made jointly. Furthermore, he expressed a desire to time the handling of the sanctions law to align with the collective European stance and the G7 negotiations, ensuring that Estonia is not the very first country in Europe to act.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked [him] and called upon Ants Frosch to ask a follow-up question.
Välisminister Margus Tsahkna
AI Summary
Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that the bill currently under deliberation in the Riigikogu provides a concrete legal basis to seize Russia's frozen assets—both state assets and the private assets of oligarchs—and transfer them to Ukraine. He added that this is not an abstract topic, but a step that Putin and his oligarchs genuinely fear. If the bill is adopted, the total sum of assets, amounting to 37–38 million euros, could be utilized for Ukraine's benefit.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar declared, "Your time," and concluded the debate on today's first question.