Eugene Shvidler

Evgeny Markovich Shvidler
Evgeny Markovich Shvidler
Born	Evgeny Markovich Shvidler; March 23, 1964 (age 62); Ufa, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Other names	Eugene Shvidler
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, vintner
Years active	Mid-1990s–present
Known for	Co-founder of Runicom S.A., former president of Sibneft, shareholder in Evraz, owner of Château Thénac vineyard

Evgeny Markovich Shvidler (; born 23 March 1964), commonly referred to in English as Eugene Shvidler, is a billionaire entrepreneur and vintner originating from the Soviet Union.

Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Shvidler was placed under sanctions by the UK Government in March 2022 and continues to be subject to restrictions imposed by the United Kingdom. He possesses citizenship in both the United Kingdom and the United States. In August 2023, the UK High Court confirmed the validity of these sanctions, and his subsequent appeal was dismissed by the UK Court of Appeal in February 2024.

As of April 2014, his net worth was approximated at $1.6 billion, although the precise value of assets impacted by these sanctions remains uncertain.

Early life

Shvidler was born in Ufa, within the Russian SFSR of the former Soviet Union (present-day Russia). He hails from a Jewish background; his father, Mark Iosifovich Shvidler, was a geologist during Soviet times. In 1989, Shvidler relocated to the US, where he completed an MBA at Fordham University in 1992. Subsequently, he gained employment with Deloitte & Touche in New York and obtained American citizenship in 1994.

Career

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Shvidler returned to Russia in the mid-1990s and earned a degree in mathematics from the Gubkin Institute of Petrochemicals and Natural Gas. Alongside his longtime associate Roman Abramovich, he co-founded Runicom S.A., an oil trading company. In 1995, they secured control of major oil company Sibneft through a contentious auction for $250 million. Shvidler held roles as senior Vice President and later president from 1998 until Sibneft’s acquisition by Gazprom for $13 billion in 2005. Under his management, Sibneft became Russia's fastest-expanding oil producer and achieved the highest profitability per barrel.

Following Abramovich’s acquisition of England's Chelsea FC in 2003, Shvidler moved to the UK and briefly served on Chelsea’s board. He acquired British citizenship in 2004. In 2006, he took a 5% stake in Evraz, Abramovich’s steel manufacturing enterprise. Between 2012 and 2013, Shvidler was connected with MC Peat & Co., a firm facilitating business dealings between Abramovich and UK entities. He also chaired Abramovich’s Moscow-based investment company, Millhouse LLC, resigning in March 2022 after Abramovich encountered UK sanctions. By October 2021, Shvidler’s estimated net worth stood at approximately US$1.9 billion.

Personal life

Shvidler is married to Zara Shvidler, with whom he has five children. In 2000, he acquired Château Thénac vineyard located in France, producing premium wines and spirits. A profile from 2009 emphasized his dedication to crafting wines comparable to those from Bordeaux. His property portfolio includes a £22 million ($37 million) residence in Belgravia, London; a home situated in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey; and together with Abramovich, investments exceeding $62 million in Snowmass Village real estate in Colorado. Additionally, Shvidler owns one of the largest private yachts globally—the Le Grand Bleu—which was gifted by Abramovich.

Rejecting the designation of oligarch, Shvidler has voiced opposition to communism. Known for his affection for animals, he is regarded as a close confidant and business ally of Abramovich—often assuming the role of a more direct or "bad cop" negotiator. Since being subjected to UK sanctions, Shvidler has been residing within the United States.

Philanthropy

Shvidler has contributed approximately £10 million to educational projects across the UK, supporting initiatives such as libraries and scholarships aimed at underprivileged young people. His charitable efforts also extend to Fordham University in New York, where he funded $3 million in 2013 to create the Shvidler Chair of Judaic Studies, followed by a $1 million donation in 2016 that established the Center for Jewish Studies.

Sanctions

After Abramovich faced sanctions in March 2022, calls intensified for Shvidler to be sanctioned as well. Although initially not targeted, two of his private aircraft valued at up to $60 million were seized at Farnborough airport due to UK restrictions on Russian-affiliated planes. Despite stepping down from companies linked to Abramovich in an attempt to dissociate himself, Shvidler was sanctioned by the UK Government in April 2022 because of his business connections with Abramovich and his executive role at Evraz, a steel, mining, and chemical corporation. The sanctions imposed include a global freeze on assets and bans on transportation but do not affect his status as a British citizen.

After his ministerial review was denied, Shvidler launched a High Court challenge in July 2023—the first legal appeal of this nature—signifying a precedent-setting case concerning UK sanctions.

Appeals against Sanctions

During the High Court hearing in July 2023, Shvidler’s legal representatives underscored his British citizenship, absence of Russian nationality or visits over the past 15 years, lack of political engagement, and no connections with President Putin since 2007. They argued that the sanctions were imposed solely because of his association with Roman Abramovich and his directorship at a FTSE 100 company, claiming violations of his human rights and discrimination based on his Russian heritage. The defense highlighted the profound disruption to his business activities and family life, including immobilized private jets and challenges in managing his yacht. Conversely, lawyers for the UK Government pointed to Shvidler’s close commercial ties with Abramovich and financial gains linked to the Russian state.

In August 2023, the High Court dismissed Shvidler’s appeal. Mr Justice Garnham recognized Shvidler’s extensive business interests and philanthropic contributions within the UK but concluded that the sanctions did not infringe upon his personal freedom. The judge rejected allegations of discrimination, affirming that Shvidler profited from his relationship with Abramovich and indirectly supported the Russian government. The ruling emphasized that imposing sanctions to pressure Putin represented a critical foreign policy goal justifying limitations on Shvidler’s rights.

Following this decision, Shvidler appealed again; in January 2024, his case was heard alongside Sergey Naumenko’s—another Russian businessman whose luxury yacht faced sanctions—marking the inaugural appeal under The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. Shvidler’s counsel described how sanctions had financially isolated him. On 27 February 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled against both appellants. Subsequently, Shvidler’s legal team announced plans to seek further recourse through the UK Supreme Court.

In July 2025, the Supreme Court upheld the sanctions imposed on Shvidler, stating that stringent and indefinite measures are essential for their effectiveness. The Court confirmed that the primary aim was to prevent Shvidler from enjoying his wealth and maintaining a luxurious lifestyle.

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