Britain's Ultimatum: Abramovich's Final Chance to Release Chelsea Sale Funds

Britain has offered Roman Abramovich a last opportunity to allocate £2.5 billion from the Chelsea Football Club sale to Ukraine or face legal action. The funds are frozen due to sanctions amid Russia’s 2022 Ukraine invasion. Abramovich seeks broader fund allocation while the UK insists on Ukraine-specific spending.

In a decisive move, Britain has given Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich a final chance to ensure the £2.5 billion generated from the sale of Chelsea Football Club is allocated to Ukraine. If he fails to comply, the UK is prepared to take the matter to court.

Following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Abramovich was sanctioned, leading to a rushed sale of the Premier League club and a freeze on the proceeds. Britain's demand aligns with a broader European strategy urging Moscow to bear the cost of its actions.

Finance Minister Rachel Reeves emphasized the importance of releasing the funds to Ukraine, stating it's unacceptable for the money to remain frozen. Prime Minister Keir Starmer assured that Britain would issue a license for the funds' release.

(With inputs from agencies.)