The UK government has issued a stark ultimatum to sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich: transfer the £2.5bn in frozen proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club for humanitarian aid in Ukraine within 90 days, or face legal action in the courts.
The Prime Minister's Ultimatum
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivered the demand during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday 17 December 2025. He announced that the Treasury is issuing a licence to facilitate the transfer of the frozen funds to a dedicated foundation for Ukrainian aid. The government has set a strict 90-day deadline for compliance.
"My message to Abramovich is this: the clock is ticking, honour the commitment that you made, and pay up now," Sir Keir stated. He warned that if the oligarch fails to act, the government is "prepared to go to court, so every penny reaches those whose lives have been torn apart by Putin's illegal war."
Background of the Frozen Funds
Roman Abramovich, who bought Chelsea FC in 2003 and transformed it with billions in investment, was sanctioned by the UK in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine due to his alleged links to President Vladimir Putin. Forced to sell the club, he pledged that the net proceeds would be used "for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine."
However, the £2.5bn has remained frozen in an inaccessible account ever since, unavailable to support Kyiv. According to the Prime Minister's official spokesman, Abramovich disputes that the funds should be used exclusively for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine and wishes to spend them more widely, leading to a stalemate in negotiations.
Legal Ramifications and Wider Context
Downing Street has clarified that Abramovich must personally establish the foundation and arrange the transfer in line with the Treasury licence. A spokesperson confirmed that legal action would follow if he does not, though the specific legislation to be used was not disclosed.
This move aligns with a broader European effort to make Moscow accountable for the death and destruction caused by its invasion. The UK's direct targeting of a high-profile oligarch's assets represents a significant escalation in using frozen Russian wealth to support Ukraine's recovery.
The pressure is now squarely on Abramovich to act before the deadline expires, potentially setting a major precedent for the seizure and redirection of sanctioned assets.
