Abramovich, said to be a longtime ally of President Vladimir Putin, was among seven Russian businessmen added by UK government to its sanctions list as it ramps up pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
The new list includes further members of Putin’s inner circle, such as Oleg Deripaska, Dmitri Lebedev and Igor Sechin.
“There can be no safe havens for those who have supported Putin’s vicious assault on Ukraine,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.
The crackdown follows Ambramovich’s announcement last week that he would sell his prized Chelsea soccer club, alongside a string of luxury London properties, as he embarked on a fire sale of his U.K. assets.
The 55-year-old, whose wealth originally derives from the privatization of Russian industry, said at the time that the sale was in the “best interest of the club,” and that all net proceeds from the sale would be donated to victims of the war.
“The license will be kept under constant review and we will work closely with the football authorities,” a government spokesperson said.
Johnson said Thursday’s move demonstrated the government’s commitment to pressuring those with ties to the Kremlin as the bloody war enters its second week.
“Today’s sanctions are the latest step in the U.K.’s unwavering support for the Ukrainian people. We will be ruthless in pursuing those who enable the killing of civilians, destruction of hospitals and illegal occupation of sovereign states.”