Labour leader Keir Starmer has called on Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich to release Two billion, five hundred million pounds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club, warning that court action could follow if the frozen funds are not directed toward Ukraine aid.
The funds, which were frozen under UK sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, were originally earmarked for humanitarian relief. However, more than two years after Abramovich sold Chelsea, the money remains locked in legal and bureaucratic disputes.
Starmer, speaking on Wednesday, insisted that the delay is unacceptable and undermines Britain’s commitment to supporting Ukraine. “This money was promised for the victims of war. It is long overdue, and if Abramovich does not comply, we will pursue legal remedies,” he said.
The Two billion, five hundred million pounds sum represents one of the largest frozen assets linked to Russian oligarchs in the UK. Abramovich, who was sanctioned in 2022, has maintained that the funds should be used for humanitarian purposes, but disagreements over oversight and distribution have stalled progress.
Government officials have acknowledged the complexities of releasing the money, citing the need to ensure transparency and prevent misuse. Yet critics argue that prolonged delays risk damaging Britain’s credibility as a leading supporter of Ukraine.
Starmer’s intervention marks a sharp escalation in political pressure, as he seeks to position Labour as firm on sanctions enforcement and international solidarity. “We cannot allow bureaucracy or obstruction to stand in the way of justice for Ukraine,” he added.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly appealed for the funds, stressing that they could provide critical support for displaced families, medical supplies, and reconstruction efforts. The prolonged freeze has been a source of frustration in Kyiv.
Abramovich’s representatives have not yet issued a formal response to Starmer’s remarks, but sources close to the billionaire suggest he remains committed to ensuring the funds reach humanitarian causes, albeit under strict legal safeguards.
Observers note that the case could set a precedent for how frozen oligarch assets are handled in the UK, balancing legal protections with moral obligations. Analysts warn that if the matter drags on further, it could spark wider debates about the effectiveness of sanctions.
As the war in Ukraine continues, the fate of the Chelsea sale proceeds has become symbolic of the broader struggle to hold Russian elites accountable while delivering tangible aid to those affected by the conflict.
