The UK government has threatened legal action against former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to ensure the £2.5 billion proceeds from the club’s sale go solely to Ukrainian humanitarian aid.
The funds have been frozen since Abramovich’s sanctioning after Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
The dispute centers on Abramovich’s desire for the money to benefit “all victims of the war in Ukraine,” potentially including those in Russia, while the UK government insists it must be for humanitarian efforts within Ukraine.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated their frustration, announcing they are “fully prepared to pursue this through the courts if required” to get the funds to suffering Ukrainians “as soon as possible.”
The delay, they noted, is due to the ongoing disagreement with Abramovich’s legal team.
