The UK government has warned Roman Abramovich that time is running out to fulfill his promise of donating £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC to victims of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The British government has issued a final ultimatum to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, demanding he transfer £2.5 billion ($3.25 billion) intended for victims of the war in Ukraine.
This sum represents the proceeds from the 2022 sale of Chelsea Football Club, which Abramovich was forced to relinquish following UK sanctions.
Despite initial promises to establish a charitable foundation for war victims, the funds have remained frozen in a London bank account for years.
The delay stems from a legal and administrative stalemate regarding the destination and management of the funds.
While Abramovich’s representatives previously suggested the money should benefit all victims of the conflict—including those in Russia—the UK government has insisted the aid must be directed toward Ukrainians.
Officials have now signaled that their patience is exhausted, emphasizing that “the clock is ticking on Roman Abramovich to honor the commitment he made” during the forced sale.
This high-stakes demand comes amid broader geopolitical tensions between the Kremlin and the West.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has maintained a hardline stance, seeking to maximize economic pressure on Russian interests to influence the conflict’s outcome.
The government’s latest move aims to finally unlock the massive sum for humanitarian relief, warning that this is the former Chelsea owner’s “last chance” to fulfill his pledge before further state intervention is considered.