Robert Jenrick's wife advised sanctioned oligarchs post-Ukraine invasion
- Michal Berkner advised a consortium of billionaires, three of whom were sanctioned by the UK government after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- The sanctions were part of a broader strategy to hold individuals accountable for their support of the Kremlin's actions.
- These connections could jeopardize Robert Jenrick's aspirations to lead the Conservative Party as it prepares for its upcoming conference.
Robert Jenrick, a Conservative MP and potential party leader, has faced scrutiny due to his wife, Michal Berkner, who previously advised a consortium of billionaires linked to Russian oligarchs. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, three members of this consortium were sanctioned by the UK government. The sanctions were part of a broader effort to hold individuals accountable for their roles in supporting the Kremlin's actions. Berkner's past work included advising Alfa-Access-Renova on significant financial transactions, including the sale of TNK-BP to Rosneft, a state-owned oil company. This deal, valued at $56 billion, was the largest merger and acquisition transaction in 2012, highlighting the high-profile nature of her legal work. The revelations about Berkner's connections have raised questions about Jenrick's political future as the Conservative Party prepares for its conference, potentially complicating his leadership aspirations.