Alexander Pumpyanskiy, the son of Russian businessman Dmitry Pumpyanskiy, has been included in the EU sanctions list, despite a court ruling in 2023 that annulled the decision. Pumpyanskiy, a long-term resident of Geneva, was initially targeted for sanctions due to his association with his father’s companies. However, he had resigned from his corporate positions, leading to the General Court ruling in his favor. Despite this, the Council has not removed him from the sanction list, causing financial and logistical challenges for Pumpyanskiy.
Pumpyanskiy expressed confusion and frustration over his continued inclusion on the sanctions list, stating that the Council is not implementing the court’s decision when it does not suit them. He highlighted the impact of sanctions on his daily life, mentioning that his bank accounts were blocked, leading to further difficulties in accessing basic services such as mobile phones, internet, insurance, and transportation. This has made daily life extremely complicated for him, reflecting the broader consequences of sanctions on individuals targeted by such measures.
The amended sanctions criteria in 2023 include “close family members who benefit from listed individuals,” which is the basis for Pumpyanskiy’s continued presence on the list. Despite winning his case and proving his independence from his father’s businesses, he remains sanctioned due to his relationship with Dmitry Pumpyanskiy. The lack of justification and appeal from the Council following the court’s decision has left Pumpyanskiy in a challenging situation, with no clear resolution in sight.
Pumpyanskiy’s experience sheds light on the impact of sanctions on individuals who find themselves caught in political and economic crossfires. The failure of the Council to respond to his case highlights the challenges faced by those affected by such decisions, where bureaucratic delays and lack of accountability can prolong the hardships faced by individuals like Pumpyanskiy. His story serves as a reminder of the human cost of international sanctions and the importance of ensuring transparency and fairness in their implementation.
Despite the Council’s inaction, Pumpyanskiy continues to speak out against what he views as an unjust and arbitrary decision that has negatively impacted his life. His willingness to share his story with the media, such as Euronews, demonstrates his determination to seek justice and push for accountability from those responsible for enforcing sanctions. By raising awareness of his situation, Pumpyanskiy hopes to bring attention to the broader issue of sanctions and their impact on individuals, urging for a more nuanced and transparent approach to such measures in the future.
In conclusion, Alexander Pumpyanskiy’s ongoing struggle with EU sanctions highlights the complexities and challenges faced by individuals targeted in international political disputes. His case underscores the need for greater accountability and oversight in the implementation of sanctions, ensuring that individuals are not unfairly caught in the crossfire. Pumpyanskiy’s perseverance in the face of adversity serves as a reminder of the human impact of sanctions and the importance of upholding justice and fairness in such decisions. By sharing his story, he advocates for greater transparency and accountability in the enforcement of sanctions, seeking to bring attention to the broader implications of such measures on individuals and communities worldwide.
