Nikita Mazepin and his father Dmitry have been added to a list of individuals who are subject to European Union sanctions. Haas dropped Russian driver Mazepin and Russian sponsor Uralkali over the weekend, following on from the country launching a major military assault on neighbouring Ukraine, which has led to a rapidly-growing refugee crisis. According to the official journal of the European Union, both Mazepins are among 14 people to be added to the growing sanctions list.
European Union take action after Mazepin meets Putin
The EU noted that as the boss of Uralkali parent company Uralchem, Mazepin Snr "is thus involved in economic sectors providing a substantial source of revenue to the Government of the Russian Federation, which is responsible for the annexation of Crimea and the destabilisation of Ukraine". They also highlighted that Mazepin, along with 36 other business people, was involved in a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on 24 February, as Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. As per the EU's documentation, Mazepin met with Putin "and other members of the Russian government to discuss the impact of the course of action in the wake of Western sanctions. "The fact that he was invited to attend this meeting shows that he is a member of the closest circle of Vladimir Putin and that he is supporting or implementing actions or policies which undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, as well as stability and security in Ukraine."
Nikita Mazepin also added to the EU sanctions list
Nikita Mazepin has also been added to the sanctions list as "he is a natural person associated with a leading businessperson (his father) involved in economic sectors providing a substantial source of revenue to the Government of the Russian Federation". Speaking in a lengthy press conference on Wednesday, Mazepin explained that he was "very disappointed" at how his sacking was handled by Haas, claiming that he found out at the same time as fans and members of the media. Mazepin has not ruled out taking further action against Haas going forward, while Uralkali have demanded an "immediate reimbursement" of the money they claim to have already paid to sponsor the team for 2022.
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