UK gives Abramovich final warning to transfer £2.5bn to Ukraine fund

Roman Abramovich sold Chelsea in 2022 under pressure from the British government after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photograph: Martin Meissner/AP

The UK has given its final warning to Roman Abramovich to release £2.5bn from the oligarch’s sale of Chelsea FC to give to Ukraine, telling the billionaire to release the funds within 90 days or face court action.

Keir Starmer told the House of Commons the funds from Abramovich, who is subject to UK sanctions, would be converted into a new foundation for humanitarian causes in Ukraine and that the issuing of a licence for the transfer was the last chance Abramovich would have to comply.