The British government has issued a final ultimatum to sanctioned Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, demanding he honour his pledge to donate the £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea Football Club to victims of Russia's war in Ukraine.
The Ultimatum and Frozen Funds
On Wednesday, 17 December 2025, officials stated that negotiations to release the frozen funds have failed. While the colossal sum remains legally Abramovich's property, it is locked in a UK account. The government has now set a definitive deadline, warning that legal enforcement will follow if the commitment is not met voluntarily.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivered a stark message, declaring: "The clock is ticking on Roman Abramovich to honour the commitment he made when Chelsea FC was sold. This government is prepared to enforce it through the courts, so that every penny reaches those whose lives have been torn apart by Putin’s illegal war."
Background: Sanctions and a Broken Promise
Abramovich was compelled to sell the Premier League club in 2022 after being sanctioned by the UK due to his alleged connections to Russian President Vladimir Putin following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Prior to the sale to a consortium led by American Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, Abramovich publicly vowed to establish a charitable foundation for war victims.
However, nearly three years later, that promise remains unfulfilled. The funds, equivalent to approximately $3.25 billion, have not been transferred. A spokesperson for Abramovich could not be reached for immediate comment on the government's latest move.
Legacy and Legal Reckoning
Abramovich's 19-year ownership of Chelsea, which began in 2003, was marked by unprecedented success, including five Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies. His departure was forced by geopolitical events, leaving the future of the sale's proceeds in limbo.
The government's stance signals a shift from negotiation to potential litigation. The key points are:
- The £2.5bn is frozen but still under Abramovich's legal ownership.
- All diplomatic and negotiated avenues have been exhausted.
- The UK is now prepared to use its legal powers to redirect the money to humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
This final demand places immense pressure on the oligarch, setting the stage for a major legal and diplomatic confrontation over one of the largest pledged charitable donations linked to the conflict.
