Wife of Russian billionaire Melnichenko contests EU sanctions
By David Gauthier-Villars
(Reuters) – A European Union determination to increase sanctions in opposition to Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko to his spouse is “irrational” as a result of she has by no means held Russian citizenship or resided in Russia, a consultant for the couple mentioned on Saturday.
Aleksandra Melnichenko, who was born in Belgrade and holds Serbian and Croatian citizenship, will “vigorously contest the unlucky determination in opposition to her”, the consultant mentioned in an electronic mail assertion to Reuters, declining to present a reputation.
Reuters reported final month that Melnichenko ceded possession of coal firm SUEK AO and fertilizer firm EuroChem Group AG to his spouse on March 8, a day earlier than the EU put him on a sanctions listing.
The EU sanctioned Melnichenko’s spouse on Friday as a part of a sixth spherical of sanctions in opposition to Russia for waging a battle in opposition to Ukraine. The EU mentioned Aleksandra Melnichenko “takes good benefit of the fortune and advantages from the wealth of her husband”.
The step may disrupt operations at SUEK and EuroChem as a result of the sanctions embrace freezing her belongings.
A EuroChem spokesperson mentioned that whereas the corporate was dedicated to complying strictly with EU sanctions regulation, it will additionally search to debate with EU authorities the way it may proceed supplying fertilisers to farmers.
“EuroChem will interact with the European Fee and desk proposals to search out options that may preserve its operations and supply crop vitamins to its clients all over the world at a most crucial time of meals disaster,” the spokesperson mentioned in a press release.
EuroChem produces roughly 5% of world fertiliser output.
A SUEK spokesperson didn’t reply to messages looking for remark.
Upon sanctioning Melnichenko in March, the EU accused him of being near Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Melnichenko household consultant mentioned in Saturday’s assertion that the businessman has no political affiliations in Russia, calling the choice to sanction him “reckless” and “arbitrary”.
Melnichenko has challenged the sanctions by lodging an attraction with the EU’s Common Court docket, which handles complaints in opposition to European establishments.
(Reporting by David Gauthier-Villars in Istanbul; Enhancing by Helen Popper)
