Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared that a colossal sum of money from the sale of Chelsea Football Club will finally be directed to support humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
Billions Held Since 2022 Sale to be Released
The funds, totalling £2.5 billion, have been frozen in a UK bank account since the club's former owner, Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, sold it in 2022. After prolonged negotiations over the destination of the proceeds, the government is now issuing a licence to unlock the money.
In a statement to MPs on the afternoon of December 17, 2025, Starmer delivered a direct ultimatum to Abramovich. He emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating the oligarch must honour his original commitment to donate the proceeds to victims of the war.
"The Clock is Ticking," Says Prime Minister
"My message to Abramovich is this: the clock is ticking, honour the commitment that you made and pay up now," Starmer told the House of Commons. He warned that failure to comply would result in legal action to ensure the full amount reaches those in need.
"If you don’t, we’re prepared to go to court so every penny reaches those whose lives have been torn apart by Putin’s illegal war," the Prime Minister added, framing the move as a matter of moral and legal imperative.
Legal Pathway Cleared for Vital Aid
The announcement signals the end of a complex and lengthy process that began with the government's sanctions on Abramovich following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The issuance of the special licence provides the legal mechanism to transfer the vast sum out of its frozen state.
The move is expected to channel one of the largest single donations towards the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis, providing critical support for:
- Medical aid and supplies
- Shelter and housing for displaced families
- Essential food and water provisions
This decisive action underscores the UK government's continued stance on holding sanctioned individuals accountable and directing resources to where they are most urgently required on the global stage.
