The Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich will appeal today Wednesday against her sanctions The European Union imposed on him after the war in Ukraine, arguing that the restrictions were imposed simply because he is a well-known Russian, said a source with knowledge of the matter.

His lawyers will argue that the EU sanctions are unfounded, and were imposed simply because he is a well-known Russian businessman, the source said.

Since the president Vladimir Putin ordered tens of thousands of troops to invade Ukraine on February 24, the EU imposed sanctions on a Russian official and a number of Russian businessmen while “froze” hundreds of billions of dollars Russian assets.

In March 2022, the EU described Abramovich, now 56, as a “oligarch with close ties to Vladimir Putin” including “privileged access” to the Kremlin chief, ties which the EU says have helped him retain his assets.

Abramovich appealed against the EU sanctions on May 25, 2022, and on Thursday there will be a hearing on his appeal before the General Court of the European Union, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.

Abramovich, who also holds Israeli citizenship, was one of the most powerful oligarchs who acquired vast fortunes after the 1991 breakup of the Soviet Union. According to Forbes, his net worth is $9.2 billion.