Britain's Ultimatum to Abramovich: Release Funds or Face Legal Consequences

Britain has given Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich an ultimatum to donate £2.5 billion from the Chelsea sale to Ukraine. The funds are currently frozen due to sanctions after Russia's 2022 Ukraine invasion. If Abramovich fails to act, legal action may follow. The funds aim to support humanitarian causes.

Britain has issued a decisive ultimatum to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, urging him to donate £2.5 billion from the Chelsea Football Club sale to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. Failure to comply could result in potential legal action against him, according to recent statements from the British government.

The call for action is part of a broader European effort to hold Russia accountable for the human and infrastructural damages caused by its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Although Abramovich has expressed a desire to direct the funds toward all victims, the British mandate emphasizes targeting the Ukrainian crisis specifically.

With a 90-day timeline to respond under the new government guidelines, Abramovich's representatives have yet to comment on the situation. Meanwhile, plans are underway to facilitate this transfer legally, with a proposal for a special licence that would allow the funds to be transferred to a charitable foundation dedicated to the cause.

(With inputs from agencies.)