U.K. Supreme Court Rejects Russian Billionaire’s Appeal to Lift Sanctions
LONDON — The U.K. Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by Russian billionaire Evgeny Shvidler to overturn sanctions imposed on him, marking a significant legal victory for Britain’s post-invasion sanctions regime against Russia.
In a 4–1 ruling announced Tuesday, the court upheld the British government’s 2022 decision to sanction Shvidler for his ties to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich and his former executive role at Russian steel giant Evraz, Reuters reported.
Shvidler, who holds British, American, and French citizenship, was sanctioned in March 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. U.K. authorities said the sanctions aligned with broader foreign policy and national security objectives.
The billionaire’s legal team had argued that the sanctions were arbitrary, citing examples like BP’s past partnerships with Russian state firms that did not result in similar penalties. However, the court ruled that the Foreign Office had acted lawfully in applying the sanctions.
Legal analysts say the decision sets a precedent that may make it more difficult for other sanctioned individuals to successfully challenge U.K. government measures in court.
Shvidler’s assets in the U.K., including two private jets, remain frozen. He has stated that the sanctions have caused significant harm to his personal and family life.
Since February 2022, the United Kingdom has sanctioned over 1,700 individuals and entities linked to Russia’s government, military, and economy in response to the war in Ukraine.
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