UK Government issues ultimatum to Abramovich over frozen Ukraine aid
The UK Government has delivered a final ultimatum to former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, setting a hard deadline to release £2.5 billion from the club's sale to be funneled into critical aid for Ukraine, DW reports.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that a formal license has been issued to transfer the funds to the Ukrainian people. He emphasized that "the clock is ticking" for the Russian oligarch to fulfill the pledge he made when the club changed hands.
The £2.5 billion, currently locked in a British bank account, has been trapped in a legal deadlock for over two years. While the UK Government insists the money must fund emergency humanitarian relief and long-term reconstruction in Ukraine, Abramovich has stalled, demanding the funds support "all victims of the war"—a move that would allow the money to reach Russians.
Although the proceeds legally belong to Abramovich, UK sanctions prevent him from touching a single penny. The government is now losing patience with the delay.
"If Mr. Abramovich does not act quickly, this government is ready to go to court to seize control and enforce this commitment," a government spokesperson stated. The official added that the money is intended to rebuild shattered infrastructure, protect the most vulnerable, and help Ukraine move from crisis response to long-term survival.
Abramovich’s representatives have declined to comment. Addressing the House of Commons, Prime Minister Starmer was blunt: "My message to Abramovich is clear: pay now, or we will see you in court. We will ensure every penny reaches those whose homes were leveled and lives shattered by Putin's illegal war."
Abramovich purchased the Premier League giants in 2003 for £140 million, transforming the club into a global powerhouse. Following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, he was placed under strict sanctions and forced to sell. The club was acquired in May 2022 by a consortium led by American investor Todd Boehly, but the proceeds have remained frozen in London ever since.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
