New E.U. sanctions target Roman Abramovich, Russian steel exports and Moscow-bound luxury goods.
The European Union formalized a fourth package of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine on Tuesday, adding Roman Abramovich, the famous owner of the British Chelsea Football Club, to a long list of Russian businessmen who have been targeted.
The E.U.’s documentation supporting the sanctions said that Mr. Abramovich has a close relationship with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, including “privileged access” that helped him to “maintain his considerable wealth.” Mr. Abramovich, who was also sanctioned in Britain last week, has denied he has close ties to Mr. Putin.
The new E.U. measures also expand the scope of Europe’s sanctions against Russian economic sectors, forbidding the importation of Russian steel and banning E.U. investment in Russia’s energy sector.