Starmer tells Abramovich to 'pay up now' or face court

"Getty Images The Prime Minister has said Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich must "pay up now" to victims of the war in Ukraine or face court action. Mr Abramovich, the former owner of Chelsea Football Club, pledged in 2022 that money from the sale of the club would go to benefit victims of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The money has been frozen in a British bank account since the sale after he was sanctioned following Russia's invasion of Ukraine."

"Speaking in the Commons, Sir Keir Starmer said the UK had issued a licence "to transfer 2.5bn from the sale of Chelsea Football Club that's been frozen since 2022." Sir Keir said: "My message of Abramovich is clear: the clock is ticking. "Honour the commitment that you made and pay up now, and if you don't we're prepared to go to court and ensure that every penny reaches those whose lives have been torn apart by Putin's illegal war.""

Roman Abramovich pledged in 2022 that proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club would benefit victims of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The proceeds — £2.5bn — have been frozen in a British bank account since the sale after Abramovich was sanctioned. The UK has issued a licence to transfer those funds for humanitarian use. The Prime Minister urged Abramovich to honour his commitment and pay victims now, warning of court action if he fails to do so. The Treasury stated the licence requires the money to go to humanitarian causes in Ukraine and bars any benefit to Abramovich or other sanctioned individuals.

Read at www.bbc.com