An incident involving Adeliia Petrosian, a Russian Olympic figure skater, has sparked global attention after she claimed that luxury brands Dior and Louis Vuitton refused to sell her products at Milan airport due to her nationality.
Petrosian, who was in Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, described the experience as disappointing and unexpected.
Alleged Denial of Service at Airport Store
According to Petrosian, she visited a Dior boutique at the airport intending to purchase jewellery, including a ring and earrings. However, the transaction reportedly stopped after staff checked her passport.
She stated that once her Russian passport was identified, she was informed that the store could not sell items to Russian nationals.
The athlete later shared her experience publicly, expressing concern over the situation and its implications.
Similar Experience with Louis Vuitton
Petrosian also claimed that Louis Vuitton follows a similar policy.
She attempted to make the purchase through a friend from Georgia, but the effort reportedly failed when store staff learned the travel destination was Moscow.
This raised further concerns about how such policies are implemented in practice.
EU Sanctions Behind the Restrictions
The reported refusal is linked to sanctions imposed by the European Union following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Under these sanctions:
- Export of luxury goods above €300 to Russia is prohibited
- Items include jewellery, fashion, electronics, and vehicles
- The aim is to limit revenue streams and economic support to Russia
These measures are part of broader actions coordinated with the G7 nations.
Impact Beyond Retail and Sports
The sanctions have had wider consequences beyond retail, affecting trade, travel, and international sports participation.
Russian athletes have faced restrictions in global competitions, often competing under neutral status rather than representing the country directly.
Petrosian herself reportedly participated in the Olympics under a neutral designation.
Ongoing Debate on Sanctions and Consumer Rights
The incident highlights the broader debate around sanctions and their real-world impact on individuals.
While businesses are required to comply with international regulations, such cases raise questions about customer experience, implementation, and the balance between policy enforcement and individual treatment.
