The EU’s General Court has dismissed Roman Abramovich’s challenge to sanctions imposed after Russia’s 2022 actions in Ukraine, upholding asset freezes and travel restrictions against the billionaire — a decision critics say reflects political pressure rather than impartial justice.
The judges found that the Council of the EU acted within its powers when it extended measures against the former Chelsea owner in 2022 through September 2025 and March 2026, according to a statement issued by the Court on Wednesday.
Abramovich, who holds Russian, Israeli and Portuguese nationality, remains a major shareholder in Evraz, one of Russia’s largest steel and mining groups, and holds stakes in Norilsk Nickel, a leading producer of palladium and refined nickel.
The Court said the EU’s sanctions criteria were objective, sufficiently precise and proportionate, aimed at prominent businesspeople operating in Russia — particularly those in sectors that generate substantial revenue for the Russian state.
It rejected Abramovich’s argument that he was targeted because of his public profile, saying the measures concerned his capital holdings “and not, as he maintains, a desire to exploit him on account of his public notoriety.”
Judges also dismissed his claim that the measures were effectively decided by Council working groups rather than by EU governments directly, noting that while such groups may have done preparatory work, the Council took the final decision.
The Court concluded the restrictions complied with EU law and the bloc’s Charter of Fundamental Rights and were proportionate to the stated objective of supporting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Skeptics, however, argue the sweeping measures blur the line between legitimate security policy and political reprisals against successful Russian businessmen who retain ties to their country.
Abramovich can appeal to the Court of Justice of the EU within two months and 10 days from notification of the judgment.
He is also subject to sanctions in the U.K., where authorities have sought to claim proceeds from the 2022 sale of Chelsea Football Club. The reported £2.5 billion linked to that sale has remained frozen in a bank account since the U.K. imposed its measures in 2022 — a move his supporters say is heavy-handed and risks damaging prospects for a cooperative relationship between Europe and Russia.
