The European Union’s General Court on Wednesday rejected Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich’s latest attempt to overturn sanctions that freeze his assets and bar him from entering or traveling through the bloc.
Abramovich had challenged the EU Council’s decisions to renew the measures and sought damages. The court upheld the decisions and ruled that the criteria used to impose the sanctions were proportionate.
It was the third time the EU court had rejected a challenge from Abramovich, following rulings in December 2023 and September 2025.
Abramovich argued that he had been sanctioned because of his public profile. The court rejected that claim, saying the restrictions were based on his stakes in major Russian companies.
Abramovich is the majority shareholder in Evraz, one of Russia’s leading steel and mining groups. He also owns shares in Norilsk Nickel, a major producer of palladium and nickel. The court said both companies operate in sectors that provide substantial revenue to the Russian government.
