Starmer: Abramovich must pay Chelsea sale funds to Ukraine or face court
Britain's leaders urge Roman Abramovich to honor his pledge to use Chelsea’s sale profits for Ukrainian relief, warning of court action if funds aren’t released.
The government is pressing Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich to release the proceeds from the Chelsea sale for Ukraine relief. The roughly £2.5 billion remains frozen in a UK bank as officials debate how the money should be used.
In the Commons, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said time is running out, urging Abramovich to honour the commitment he made in 2022. He argued the money should fund humanitarian aid, while Abramovich has insisted the funds should help all war victims, including Russians.
What the dispute hinges on
The money from the Chelsea sale is technically Abramovich’s, but UK sanctions block access. A government licence allows transferring the frozen £2.5 billion to humanitarian causes in Ukraine, provided the funds do not benefit the oligarch or other sanctioned individuals.
Government action and potential court case
Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warned that if Abramovich does not act, the government will pursue legal action to ensure every penny reaches those suffering from Putin’s invasion. Cooper said authorities should avoid further court delays and act promptly.
Context and timeline
Britain first signalled plans to sue Abramovich in June. A 90-day window was noted for a response before legal steps could begin. Separately, EU leaders are examining proposals to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s budget and defence, a move Russia opposes.
Expert perspective
Expert comment: A sanctions analyst notes the case could set an important precedent for directing seized wealth to humanitarian relief if the court sides with the government. A second policy expert adds that a ruling would clarify how frozen assets are handled in future sanctions disputes.
Summary
Key points: The government wants the Chelsea sale proceeds to fund Ukrainian relief, not personal gain, and is ready to go to court to enforce this. The outcome will influence future handling of frozen assets in sanctions cases. BBC coverage.
Discover the latest news and current events in Economics as of 19-12-2025. The article titled " Starmer: Abramovich must pay Chelsea sale funds to Ukraine or face court " provides you with the most relevant and reliable information in the Economics field. Each news piece is thoroughly analyzed to deliver valuable insights to our readers.
The information in " Starmer: Abramovich must pay Chelsea sale funds to Ukraine or face court " helps you make better-informed decisions within the Economics category. Our news articles are continuously updated and adhere to journalistic standards.