ECJ Strikes Down Sanctions on Former TMK President Dmitry Pumpyansky In a landmark ruling, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has annulled the sanctions imposed on Dmitry Pumpyansky, the former president of Russian pipe manufacturing conglomerate TMK. The sanctions, which included asset freezes and travel bans, had been imposed by the European Union (EU) in 2022 in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The ECJ ruled that the EU had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support its claim that Pumpyansky was involved in activities that threatened the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine. The court found that the EU had relied heavily on unsubstantiated allegations and had not given Pumpyansky a fair opportunity to defend himself. The ruling is a significant victory for Pumpyansky, who has denied any wrongdoing. It also raises questions about the EU’s sanctions regime, which has been criticized for targeting individuals without due process. Pumpyansky’s lawyer, Jean-Pierre Mignard, welcomed the decision. “This ruling is a vindication of our client and a clear signal that the EU cannot simply impose sanctions on people without providing proper evidence,” he said. The EU has yet to comment on the ruling, but it is expected to appeal the decision. The outcome of any appeal could have significant implications for the EU’s sanctions regime and for other individuals who have been targeted by its measures. For now, Pumpyansky’s sanctions have been lifted. He is now free to travel to the EU and access his frozen assets. The ruling is a reminder that even in times of conflict, the rule of law must prevail.EU Court Removes Dmitry Pumpyansky from Sanctions ListEU Court Removes Dmitry Pumpyansky from Sanctions List On Wednesday, the European Court of Justice declared that Dmitry Pumpyansky, the former chairman of Russian steel pipe maker TMK, should be removed from the EU sanctions list imposed in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The EU has sanctioned over 2,200 individuals and entities linked to Russia since 2014, including travel bans and asset freezes. Pumpyansky’s removal follows similar court rulings that overturned the listings of Russian billionaires Mikhail Fridman and Petr Aven. Pumpyansky was initially sanctioned in March 2022, when he held positions as chairman of TMK and chairman and board member of Sinara Investment Bank. The EU alleged that these companies supported and benefited from cooperation with Russian state-owned companies, generating substantial revenue for Moscow. However, the court found that the EU failed to provide sufficient evidence to support Pumpyansky’s significance in Russia after he left these roles. The court noted that Pumpyansky had sold his shares in TMK and Sinara Group in March 2022, and was no longer involved in any commercial activities, undermining his classification as a “prominent businessman.” The court also found that the EU had not provided strong evidence linking Pumpyansky to TMK, Sinara Group, or other economic sectors that provide substantial income to the Russian government. As a result, the court ordered the Council of the European Union to cover Pumpyansky’s costs related to the case.The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has annulled the sanctions imposed on Dmitry Pumpyansky, former president of the Russian steel pipe producer TMK. The ECJ ruled that the sanctions were based on insufficient evidence and that the EU Council had not provided adequate justification for its decision to freeze Pumpyansky’s assets. The court also found that the sanctions had violated Pumpyansky’s right to property and his right to a fair trial. Pumpyansky was one of several Russian oligarchs who were sanctioned by the EU in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. The sanctions included a travel ban and the freezing of his assets. Pumpyansky challenged the sanctions in court, arguing that he was not involved in the Russian government’s decision to annex Crimea and that he had not provided any financial support to the separatists in eastern Ukraine. The ECJ’s ruling is a significant victory for Pumpyansky and other Russian oligarchs who have been sanctioned by the EU. The ruling could also have implications for the EU’s sanctions regime against Russia as a whole.