UK Prime Minister warns Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to honour his pledge to aid war victims in Ukraine, as legal action looms.

Roman Abramovich

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has delivered a stern warning to Chelsea former owner Roman Abramovich, urging him to release £2.5bn from the sale of the football club for victims of the war in Ukraine or face legal action.

Abramovich had pledged in 2022 that proceeds from Chelsea’s sale would support those affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, the funds remain frozen in a UK bank amid disputes over their use.

The government insists the money must go strictly to humanitarian aid in Ukraine, while Abramovich has suggested a broader interpretation, including support for “all victims of the war,” which could extend to Russians.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Starmer said: “My message to Abramovich is clear: the clock is ticking. Honour the commitment that you made and pay up now, and if you don’t, we’re prepared to go to court.”

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed the warning, confirming that legal action is on the table but cautioning that a court battle could delay distribution of the funds.

Under the Treasury licence, the £2.5bn cannot benefit Abramovich or any other sanctioned individual and must be used for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. Abramovich, whose wealth comes from oil and gas, has consistently denied allegations of close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Abramovich has 90 days to comply before the UK pursues legal remedies. The dispute emerges as EU leaders review proposals to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s budget and defence, which Russia has strongly opposed.