The richest Russian billionaire, owner of the world’s largest nickel and palladium company. Norilsk Nickel, Vladimir Potanin, may fall under US sanctions. It is reported by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) with reference to US officials.
The sources added that getting on the SDN list (SDN, Specially Designated Nationals – “specially appointed persons”) also threatens his wife Ekaterina Potanina. Restrictions may also apply to a yacht owned by a businessman. Officials stressed that no sanctions would be imposed on Norilsk Nickel.
The US is preparing to announce new restrictions on December 15th. According to the newspaper, several members of the Russian government will also be included in the sanctions list.
Washington imposes restrictions on Russian billionaires Vladimir Potanin with particular selectivity. The Financial Times previously reported that the government took into account the bad experience of restrictions against UC Rusal and En + in 2018 and is now cautious about sanctions that could harm the US economy. Then the restrictions against the companies of Oleg Deripaska turned into a sharp increase in the cost of aluminum
