Three Jewish oligarchs suspected of ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin have resigned from a major philanthropic organization they founded, after facing sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a statement from the group says. .
Mikhail Fridman, Petr Aven and German Khan will step down from their roles at the Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG).
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Figaro
in Ukraine
"
To enable the group to remain true to its mission and build on the foundations we have created over the past 15 years, all three have resigned from the board
," the group said in the statement.
Three men linked to Vladimir Putin
The three men have been hit with international sanctions due to suspicions of their links with Vladimir Putin.
Mikhail Fridman, born in Ukraine and one of Russia's richest men, and Petr Aven, born in Russia, had denied "
any financial or political ties
" with Vladimir Putin.
The GPG said it seeks in particular "
to strengthen Jewish identity among Russian-speaking Jews around the world and to promote understanding between Jews living in Israel and in the Diaspora
".
The organization pledged $10 million to help Jews "
affected by the crisis in Ukraine
."
The chairman of the organization's board of directors, Gennady Gazin, indicated on Friday that he remained in his post, and that the resignations would not have consequences on the commitments of the Genesis group.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought to light the alleged ties of wealthy Jewish Russians to Vladimir Putin, such as Roman Abramovich, under British government sanctions.
Recently, the Israeli Holocaust memorial, Yad Vashem, suspended its partnership with this Russian oligarch who is one of its biggest donors.
Since the invasion of Ukraine on February 24, Israel has been careful not to condemn too strongly the offensive launched by Russia, emphasizing the solid ties that unite it to both Moscow and kyiv.