UK has issued a final ultimatum to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, demanding he deliver the £2.5 billion he pledged to victims of Russia’s war in Ukraine following the sale of his Premier League club Chelsea. The government’s statement, released on Wednesday, signals a decisive move to enforce a commitment that has lingered since 2022.
Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003 and steered the club to unprecedented success, including two Champions League titles and five Premier League crowns. In 2022, amid mounting pressure, he sold the club to a consortium led by American businessman Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, a transaction that coincided with new sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom for his ties to President Vladimir Putin and the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
During the 2022 sale, Abramovich promised to establish a war-victims charity, a pledge that has yet to be fulfilled. The promised £2.5 billion-equivalent to $3.25 billion-remains frozen in accounts but still legally belongs to the billionaire. Negotiations to release the funds have stalled, leaving the money inaccessible to those it was intended to help.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer underscored the urgency of the situation: “The clock is ticking on Roman Abramovich to honor the commitment he made when Chelsea FC was sold,” Starmer said. “This government is prepared to enforce it through the courts, so that every penny reaches those whose lives have been torn apart by Putin’s illegal war.”
Abramovich has been unreachable for comment, and the frozen assets have sparked legal discussions about how best to compel their transfer. The British government is prepared to take judicial action to ensure the money reaches the intended recipients, framing the matter as a matter of justice for war victims.
Key achievements of Chelsea under Abramovich’s ownership include:
- Two UEFA Champions League titles
- Five English Premier League titles
- Multiple domestic and European trophies
Key Takeaways
- The UK has set a final deadline for Abramovich to deliver £2.5 billion promised to Ukraine war victims.
- The funds are frozen but remain his property, with negotiations stalled.
- The government is ready to enforce the release through courts.
The situation underscores the intersection of international sanctions, corporate ownership, and humanitarian obligations. As the UK pushes forward, the outcome will determine whether the promised aid reaches those who suffered from the conflict in Ukraine.
