In addition, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, former owner of Chelsea Football Club, is facing imminent moves for sanctions from the UK government. They are calling on him to use £2.5 billion from the sale of the club to send humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Abramovich pledged to direct the proceeds from the sale of the club to aid victims of the Russian invasion. This pledge came in the wake of his 2022 announcement that he would sell the club.
Abramovich, who built his billions on the same fossil fuels his new home is promoting, sold Chelsea last year for £2.5 billion. But now, after UK sanctions introduced after the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine, he is unable to reach these funds. But legally, the proceeds from the sale are still his.
UK government officials wasted no time responding to the implementation with a ʺnot so fast. They announce that should Abramovich not act within 90 days, that the government will seek legal action to enforce his promise. One UK government spokesperson told the Guardian that such an agreement would “greatly strengthen” the contributions that help support life-saving efforts in Ukraine.
“If Mr Abramovich fails to act quickly, this government is fully committed and prepared to going to court to enforce that commitment if necessary.” – Government spokesperson
Now, the UK government is barking up trees with desperate urgency. This ties directly to current discussions between European Union leaders about using frozen Russian assets to help fund Ukraine’s budget and defense requirements. These funds could enhance frontline capacity, provide protection for vulnerable populations, and facilitate a transition from crisis response to long-term resilience in Ukraine.
Abramovich’s representatives have not responded publicly to the claims. They have further, accurately, reported that the billionaire is of the belief that the donations should benefit every victim of the billionaire’s war. This includes advocates affected within Russia too.
“It would be hard to overstate the impact that an additional two and a half billion pounds could have for the people of Ukraine.” – Government spokesperson
The situation has drawn attention from various political figures, including Sir Keir Starmer, who has urged Abramovich to honor his commitment.
“Honour the commitment that you made and pay up now, and if you don’t we’re prepared to go to court and ensure that every penny reaches those whose lives have been torn apart by Putin’s illegal war.” – Sir Keir Starmer
As that deadline approaches, the public and congressional scrutiny will be enormous. People are eager to see what Abramovich will do next with the proceeds from his Chelsea sale. Their fate will be pivotal for humanitarian aid in Ukraine and for Abramovich’s reputation amid new geopolitical currents with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.