Archive · 18 Dec 2025
UK Pressures Abramovich to Release £2.5bn for Ukraine Aid
The UK government is pressuring Roman Abramovich, the former owner of Chelsea Football Club, to release £2.5 billion from the sale of the club.
This money was supposed to go to help people affected by the war in Ukraine.
The UK says the money should only be used to help Ukrainians, but Abramovich thinks it should be used more widely.
The UK government has given Abramovich 90 days to set up a foundation and transfer the money, or they will take him to court.
The UK is trying to make sure that Russian-linked money is used to help those who have been hurt by the war in Ukraine.
UK government demands Roman Abramovich release £2.5bn from Chelsea FC sale for Ukraine aid.
Funds have been frozen since 2022, with dispute over how money should be spent.
UK insists money must go to Ukrainian victims, Abramovich wants broader use.
UK gives Abramovich 90 days to comply or face legal action.
EU leaders are reviewing proposals to redirect frozen Russian funds to Ukraine.
- Who
- Roman Abramovich, UK Government, Ukrainian victims of war
- What
- Dispute over £2.5bn from Chelsea FC sale for Ukraine aid
- When
- Sanctions imposed in 2022, current dispute ongoing
- Where
- UK, Ukraine
- Why
- UK insists funds must go to Ukrainian victims, Abramovich wants broader use
- Amount in dispute
- £2.5 billion
- Original sale year
- 2022
- Sanctioned entity
- Roman Abramovich
- Current UK Prime Minister
- Keir Starmer
- Deadline for compliance
- 90 days
- Primary use of funds
- Humanitarian aid in Ukraine
- Abramovich's stance
- Wants broader use of funds
- UK government stance
- Funds must go to Ukraine only