French spy suspect freed by Azerbaijan

Martin Ryan, a French national jailed for espionage, has been pardoned and released by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Ryan denied all charges.

“I did not spy. I am not a spy, and during the court case I tried to prove this.”

Release follows EU sanctions lift

Ryan's release came hours after the EU lifted sanctions on Russian billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, both under embargo since 2022.

France pushed for sanctions removal

France backed Slovakia's call to lift sanctions on Usmanov, citing national security concerns. Diplomats indicated France had pressed for the move.

Ukraine condemns the decision

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said Moscow was celebrating because it got impunity, humiliation of the EU, and division among Europeans.

“Moscow was celebrating, because it got what it wanted: a sense of impunity, the humiliation of the EU, and division among Europeans.”

Latvia opposes but abstains

Latvia initially opposed the move but abstained, calling it dangerous and the wrong signal as Russian behaviour grows more aggressive. It will impose its own measures.

“It is dangerous and sends completely the wrong signal at a time when Russia's behaviour is becoming more aggressive.”

Second Frenchman remains imprisoned

Anass Derraz, another French national, remains jailed in Azerbaijan accused of accepting a Russian bribe. Ryan was one of twenty people pardoned by Aliyev.