Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich sold the club after he was sanctioned by the UK Government in 2022(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Keir Starmer issues ultimatum to Roman Abramovich over Chelsea sale cash

We'll be bringing you the latest updates on this Breaking Politics News story. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story

17 Dec 2025, 12:16 by Lizzy Buchan · The Mirror

Keir Starmer has issued an ultimatum to former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to cough up £2.5billion from the sale of the club to help Ukraine.

The UK Government is threatening to take legal action against the Russian billionaire unless he delivers on his promise to hand over the proceeds to the Ukrainian people. Mr Abramovich sold the club in 2022 after he was sanctioned by the UK over his alleged ties to Vladimir Putin following the invasion of Ukraine.

The money was intended for humanitarian causes linked to the Ukraine war but it remains frozen in a UK bank account following disagreements between Mr Abramovich's lawyers and the UK Government.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has today issued a licence to allow the transfer of the funds to go to a new foundation for humanitarian aid for Ukraine. And the oligarch has been warned that the Government will take him to court if he does not honour his commitment.

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