Sanctioned billionaire Abramovich hires US law firm to fight for his interests

Lawyers from the American law firm Kobre & Kim have registered as foreign agents to represent Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

About it informs edition of the Wall Street Journal.

According to the newspaper, this is apparently the first American company to take such a step after the start of Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine.

Abramovich has hired Kobre & Kim for legal advice and does not intend to engage in lobbying for his interests in the United States through them, a source familiar with the situation told the WSJ.

The law firm itself confirmed to the newspaper that they agreed to represent the interests of the Russian businessman due to the fact that he “participates in negotiations and humanitarian activities.”

As a result, the lawyers added, Abramovich needs to resolve legal issues in order to continue working in this area.

The oligarch is not sanctioned in the United States, but last month authorities issued an arrest warrant for two planes he owns because they said he violated US sanctions by flying to Russia.

The US said that Boeing Co. A 787 Dreamliner and an Abramovich-owned Gulfstream jet flew in February without first obtaining the necessary export license. A source close to the oligarch said the flights were at the behest of Ukrainian officials to help mediate humanitarian corridors, an activity known to US intelligence.

“Because our client is known for his involvement in peace negotiations as well as in humanitarian activities, due and fair process in relation to any legal or administrative matter is essential to ensure that his efforts are not hindered,” the law firm said.