Starmer pushes Abramovich to pay £2.5bn or face court

British lawmakers are pressing Roman Abramovich to fulfil his pledge on the proceeds from Chelsea’s sale. The £2.5 billion, frozen in a UK bank since 2022, is intended to aid Ukraine, though a dispute over exactly how it should be spent has slowed release.

What the money is for

Abramovich promised that the sale profits would benefit victims of the war in Ukraine. The government says the funds should be used for humanitarian relief and related Ukrainian aid, while Abramovich argues the money should assist all war victims, potentially including Russians. The funds remain inaccessible to Abramovich while sanctions stay in place, yet the proceeds from the Chelsea sale legally belong to him under current rules.

Licence and process

Officials have issued a licence allowing the transfer of £2.5 billion from Chelsea’s sale that has been frozen since 2022. The Treasury emphasises the licence requires the money to support humanitarian causes in Ukraine and bars any benefit to Abramovich or other sanctioned individuals.

Political pressure and next steps

In an update to MPs, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer warned that time is running out and urged Abramovich to honour his commitment and release the funds. He signalled that the government is prepared to pursue legal action to ensure every penny reaches those affected by the war.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed the call, noting that the government would move to court if Abramovich does not act within a 90-day window. Abramovich’s representatives declined to comment. The Treasury reiterated that the money must be used for Ukrainian humanitarian relief and cannot benefit the individual or any other sanctioned person.

International context

Separately, European Union leaders are reviewing plans to use proceeds from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s large budget and defence needs, a move opposed by Moscow.

Expert perspective

“This case tests how asset freezes can be redirected to humanitarian relief, and enforcement will depend on the exact terms of the licence,” says Dr. Lena Hsu, an international law expert. “If Abramovich does not act, a drawn‑out court process is likely.”

Summary

The government seeks to unlock £2.5 billion from the Chelsea sale for Ukraine relief, with a 90‑day deadline for Abramovich to act. A potential court case looms if the funds remain blocked, highlighting the intersection of sanctions enforcement and humanitarian aid. The issue sits within wider European efforts to redirect frozen assets to support Ukraine’s needs.

Key takeaway: The UK is prepared to pursue legal action to ensure Chelsea sale proceeds reach Ukraine relief; time will tell if the funds are released or held in court. Source: BBC coverage

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