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Roman Abramovich is under increasing pressure from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to honour his commitments and allocate £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea Football Club to aid victims of the war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised these funds in 2022, but they remain in limbo due to disagreements over their exact use. The UK government insists the money goes to humanitarian efforts, while Abramovich wants it available for "all victims of the war," including Russians.

 

Starmer delivered a severe warning to Abramovich, stating in the Commons that the time for action is rapidly approaching. This follows the UK granting a licence to transfer the funds, though they remain frozen and inaccessible to Abramovich under UK sanctions. Should Abramovich fail to act, the UK is poised to pursue legal action to distribute the money to those affected by the war.

 

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also emphasised the urgency of the situation, advising against any legal stalling by Abramovich, while reiterating the government's resolve to pursue court action if necessary. Abramovich’s representatives have refrained from commenting, while the Treasury clarified that the funds must not benefit Abramovich or any sanctioned individual.

 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlighted the immorality of the substantial sum languishing unused. Reports indicate that Abramovich, who sold Chelsea under special conditions, has 90 days to resolve the issue before legal measures take place. Meanwhile, the European Union is set to review plans to use frozen Russian assets to boost Ukraine's economy and defence, a move strongly opposed by Russia, reported the BBC.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Sir Keir Starmer urges Abramovich to release pledged funds for Ukraine.
• Dispute centres on how the £2.5bn from the Chelsea sale should be allocated.
• Abramovich risks legal action if he fails to act within 90 days.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-12-18

 

 

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised these funds in 2022, but they remain in limbo due to disagreements over their exact use.

 

The shoe is on the other foot. 

 

I guess Two Tier Keir now knows what it is like to be lied to and let down. 

 

 

"Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlighted the immorality of the substantial sum languishing unused."

 

How about the immorality of stealing other people's money, Rachel? But then that's the only thing you're good at.

If I was Abramovich I would tell Starmer to get lost.

Roman needs to be careful of upsetting Putin .

Giving that money to Ukraine could put Roman in danger

2 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

If I was Abramovich I would tell Starmer to get lost.

This follows the UK granting a licence to transfer the funds, though they remain frozen and inaccessible to Abramovich under UK sanctions. Should Abramovich fail to act, the UK is poised to pursue legal action to distribute the money to those affected by the war.