Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has suffered another legal setback after the European Union’s General Court dismissed his latest challenge against sanctions imposed on him over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The former owner of Chelsea was placed under the EU’s asset-freeze and travel restrictions in 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The bloc cited his connections to the Kremlin and business interests in Russia.
In his latest case, Abramovich argued that the EU had unfairly targeted him because of his high public profile.
However, the General Court ruled that the sanctions were legally justified, pointing to his interests in Russian metals companies Evraz and Norilsk Nickel. According to the court, the businesses represented a significant source of revenue for the Russian state.
The ruling marks Abramovich’s third unsuccessful attempt to have the EU measures overturned. His previous challenges were dismissed in 2023 and 2025.
Abramovich is among several Russian business figures who have taken legal action against sanctions introduced by the EU following the invasion of Ukraine.
