UK sues Russian tycoon for Ukraine funds — RT World News
The UK is escalating its financial battle wiht Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich, threatening legal action to seize £2.5 billion ($3.4 billion) from the Chelsea football club sale for Ukraine’s humanitarian needs. The government is frustrated by the continued delays, as Abramovich wants the funds to assist victims on both sides of the conflict. This legal move underscores the UK’s determination to see these funds used exclusively to aid Ukraine, three years after the sale. The money remains frozen in a UK bank account, pending Abramovich’s authorization.News Directory 3 is closely following this international story. What does this mean Abramovich, and what will happen with the funds? discover what’s next …
UK Threatens Legal Action Over Chelsea sale Funds for Ukraine
Updated June 03, 2025
The British government is demanding that Roman Abramovich direct £2.5 billion ($3.4 billion) from the Chelsea football club sale to Ukraine. Officials warned they are prepared to sue the Russian billionaire if he does not approve the transfer. The dispute centers on the allocation of the funds from the sale of the Chelsea football club,a deal finalized in May 2022.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a joint statement expressing frustration with the ongoing delay.abramovich, who faced sanctions from London following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict due to alleged Kremlin ties, intended the proceeds to assist victims on both sides. Though, the UK government insists the money should exclusively support Ukraine.
The UK government is determined to ensure the Chelsea football club sale proceeds benefit humanitarian causes in Ukraine, Reeves and Lammy stated. They added that reaching an agreement with Abramovich has been arduous, even three years after the sale.
The funds are currently frozen in a UK bank account, requiring a Foreign Office licence for release. While Abramovich cannot access the money due to sanctions, he remains the legal owner and must authorize any distribution.
“While the door for negotiations will remain open, we are fully prepared to pursue this through the courts if required, to ensure people suffering in Ukraine can benefit from these proceeds as soon as possible,”
Reeves and Lammy
What’s next
The UK government is prepared to pursue legal action to resolve the impasse, ensuring the funds from the Chelsea sale are used for humanitarian purposes in Ukraine. Discussions with Abramovich’s representatives and international partners continue as London seeks a resolution.