EU Court Throws Out Roman Abramovich's Third Sanctions Challenge

A prominent court within the European Union, on Wednesday, dismissed a third legal challenge by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who sought to reverse sanctions placed upon him in connection with the conflict in Ukraine. Abramovich, widely known as the ex-proprietor of Chelsea Football Club and for his strong links to the Kremlin, found himself on the EU's list for asset freezes and travel bans in 2022, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The EU’s General Court specifically refuted Abramovich’s assertion that the bloc was unfairly targeting him and attempting to “exploit him on account of his public notoriety.” The court justified its decision by stating that Abramovich's listing was lawful, citing his significant stakes in major metals companies, Evraz and Norilsk Nickel. These corporations, according to the court, constituted “a substantial source of revenue” for the Russian government.

This recent dismissal marks the third such setback for Abramovich, whose two earlier appeals were also rejected in 2023 and 2025. He is part of a larger group of Russian business magnates currently contesting the sanctions imposed by the European Union.