Supreme Court Upholds Sanctions on Oil Tycoon Eugene Shvidler

The UK Supreme Court has upheld sanctions against billionaire oil tycoon Eugene Shvidler, who appealed against the measures imposed over his ties to Roman Abramovich during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Shvidler challenged the sanctions, arguing that others in similar or greater positions of influence were not targeted.

In a ruling that backed the British Foreign Office's decision, the court supported the argument that sanctioning Shvidler could help achieve the UK's foreign policy goals. Despite assertions from Shvidler that the sanctions ruined his business and personal life, the majority found the sanctions struck a fair balance between individual rights and policy aims.

However, there was significant dissent from Judge George Leggatt, who criticized the lack of solid grounds for sanctioning Shvidler. He pointed out the inconsistency of not imposing similar measures on other entities like BP, which had business ventures in Russia, calling into question the rationale of the sanctions regime.

(With inputs from agencies.)