British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a stark warning to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, telling him to release billions of pounds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club immediately or prepare to face legal action. The intervention marks the strongest language yet from the UK government over the long-running standoff surrounding the frozen proceeds of the club’s sale.
A Deal Still in Limbo
Abramovich sold Chelsea in 2022 after being sanctioned by the UK government following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The sale raised more than £2 billion, with the funds placed into a frozen UK bank account under strict conditions. At the time, Abramovich pledged that the money would be used to support victims of the war in Ukraine.
More than two years later, however, the funds remain untouched. Disagreements over how the money should be distributed, who should control the process, and which victims should benefit have left the account locked and the promise unfulfilled.
Starmer Draws a Line
Speaking firmly, Starmer said patience has run out. He accused Abramovich of obstructing the release of the funds and insisted that the money must be directed swiftly and transparently to humanitarian causes linked to Ukraine.
The prime minister made clear that the government is now prepared to pursue the matter through the courts if necessary. Legal avenues under sanctions law, he said, are being actively considered to force compliance and prevent further delay.
Legal and Political Stakes
The case sits at the intersection of sanctions enforcement, international law, and domestic politics. While the funds are legally frozen, the government has maintained that mechanisms exist to allow their release for humanitarian purposes without breaching sanctions. Officials argue that continued delays undermine the moral intent of the original agreement and weaken the credibility of the UK’s sanctions regime.
Abramovich’s representatives have previously said he wants the money to benefit “all victims of the conflict,” not only those in Ukraine, a position that has become a key point of contention with the British government.
Pressure Mounts at Home and Abroad
Starmer’s intervention comes amid growing pressure from MPs, charities, and international partners, who have questioned why such a large sum remains unused while humanitarian needs in Ukraine continue to rise. Critics say the impasse risks turning a symbol of accountability into one of paralysis.
Supporters of tougher action argue that allowing the funds to remain frozen sends the wrong message to sanctioned individuals and could set a damaging precedent for future enforcement efforts.
What Comes Next
If the dispute moves to court, it could become one of the most high-profile legal tests of the UK’s post-Brexit sanctions powers. For now, Starmer’s message is unambiguous: the era of negotiation is nearing its end.
Whether Abramovich releases the funds voluntarily or is compelled to do so by legal force, the outcome will shape not only the fate of billions of pounds, but also the UK’s stance on accountability, sanctions, and its commitment to supporting Ukraine.
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