Court Upholds Sanctions
The European Union's General Court on Wednesday dismissed Roman Abramovich's third legal challenge to the sanctions imposed on him in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The former Chelsea football club owner, known for his close links to the Kremlin, remains on the EU's asset freeze and visa ban list.[S1]
The Luxembourg-based court rejected Abramovich's argument that the bloc was unfairly targeting him due to his public profile. Instead, it found that his holdings in metals companies Evraz and Norilsk Nickel provided substantial revenue to the Russian government, making his listing legally justified.[S1]
Legal Arguments Rejected
Judges ruled that the sanctions criteria were objective, precise, and proportionate, and that the measures had a clear legal basis consistent with the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights. They also dismissed claims that an EU Council working party had effectively made the decision, emphasizing that final authority rested with the Council itself.[S1]
This marks Abramovich's third failed attempt, following rejections in 2023 and 2025. He is among numerous Russian businessmen contesting EU sanctions, and his assets in the bloc remain frozen while his travel ban stays in effect as he pursues further appeals.[S1]
