EU court upholds sanctions slapped on Roman Abramovich for ties to Russia-Ukraine war

Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich loses in his legal attempt to overturn sanctions slapped on him by the European Union for his ostensible role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with an EU court dismissing his claim.

In 2022, Abramovich filed a lawsuit at the EU’s general court against the European Union Council, which imposed punishment on the 57-year-old oligarch as part of measures targeting Russia and President Vladimir Putin’s close allies.

Abramovich’s economic activities have provided substantial revenues to the Russian government, the EU previously said.

“The General Court dismisses the action brought by Mr Abramovich, thereby upholding the restrictive measures taken against him,” the court says.

“The Council did not in fact err in its assessment by deciding to include, then maintain Mr Abramovich’s name on the lists at issue, in the light of his role in the Evraz group and, in particular, its parent company.”

The EU sanctions against Abramovich were announced after a BBC investigation revealed evidence about alleged corrupt deals that made the Russian businessman’s fortune.

Abramovich can choose to appeal the ruling.

A response to the court’s decision on Abramovich’s behalf says he is “disappointed with today’s ruling” but notes that the court did not accept “false” arguments that he has benefitted financially or otherwise from the Russian government, and that the sanctions “were never justified by a direct connection to the war.” It argues that he “does not have the ability to influence the decision making of any government, including Russia.”

“The court’s decision to maintain the sanctions against Mr. Abramovich were based purely on the court defining Mr. Abramovich as a ‘Russian businessman,’ which under today’s very broad EU regulations is sufficient to remain sanctioned,” it says.

Abramovich’s lawyer says he will review the decision and decide on further potential action.