UK Government Issues Ultimatum to Abramovich
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has delivered a sharp warning to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, urging him to immediately release £2.5 billion promised to victims of Russia’s war in Ukraine — or face legal action in British courts.
Speaking in Parliament, Starmer made it clear that patience is running out, saying the UK government is prepared to act decisively to ensure the funds reach those affected by what he described as Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion.
The Chelsea Sale and the Frozen Funds
Abramovich, the former owner of Chelsea Football Club, sold the club in 2022 after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the time, he publicly pledged that the proceeds from the sale would be used to support victims of the war.
However, the £2.5bn remains frozen in a UK bank account due to ongoing disagreements over how the money should be distributed.
- UK government position: Funds should go strictly to humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
- Abramovich’s stance: Aid should support all victims of the conflict, including Russians.
This disagreement has stalled the release of the money for more than two years.
Sanctions, Legal Ownership, and Government Pressure
Although Abramovich is under UK sanctions and cannot access the funds personally, the money still legally belongs to him. To resolve the impasse, the UK Treasury has issued a special licence allowing the transfer — but only if the money is directed to approved humanitarian causes.
Starmer warned that if Abramovich does not honour his original commitment, the government is ready to take the case to court to force compliance.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed this message, urging Abramovich to avoid further delays that could prolong suffering in Ukraine.
What Happens Next?
According to officials, Abramovich has 90 days to act before the UK moves forward with legal proceedings. Meanwhile, European Union leaders are also reviewing proposals to redirect profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction — a move strongly opposed by Moscow.
The case highlights a broader international debate over how sanctioned assets linked to Russian elites should be used during the ongoing war.
Why This Matters Globally
This dispute goes beyond one billionaire or one football club. It raises critical questions about:
- Accountability of sanctioned oligarchs
- Use of frozen assets during wartime
- The balance between legal ownership and moral responsibility
The outcome could set a powerful precedent for future conflicts and sanctions enforcement worldwide.