PREVIEW

Starmer Warned Abramovich to ‘Pay Up Now’ or Face Court Action. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich must release £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC to help victims of the war in Ukraine or face legal action. Abramovich pledged in 2022 that the proceeds from the club’s sale would support those affected by Russia’s invasion, but the funds remained frozen in a UK bank account. The delay stemmed from a dispute over how the money should be used, with the UK government insisting it go to humanitarian aid in Ukraine, while Abramovich argued it should benefit all victims of the war. Speaking in the House of Commons, Starmer said the government had issued a licence to transfer the funds and warned Abramovich that “the clock is ticking.” A government spokesperson said ministers were prepared to take Abramovich to court if he failed to honour his commitment, stressing the funds could have a transformative impact in Ukraine. The Treasury said the licence required the money to be used strictly for humanitarian causes in Ukraine and barred any benefit to Abramovich or other sanctioned individuals. Chancellor Rachel Reeves called it unacceptable that billions meant for Ukraine remained frozen, while Abramovich’s representatives declined to comment. Abramovich was understood to have 90 days to act before legal proceedings were considered, as EU leaders prepared to review wider plans to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT