Roman Abramovich lawyers insist 2.5bn from Chelsea sale is still his

"Roman Abramovich's legal team has also insisted ministers are responsible for the delay in releasing the funds for Ukrainian victims of the war, claiming in a letter that this was always his intention and something he will do voluntarily when the assets are no longer tied up in a legal case."

"It is time Roman Abramovich does the right thing, but if he won't we will act. The exchanges come ahead of a 17 March deadline for the former Chelsea owner to respond to demands, after Sir Keir threatened legal action in December in an attempt to force him to hand over the cash."

Roman Abramovich's legal representatives assert that the £2.5bn proceeds from Chelsea football club's sale belong entirely to him and warn against government confiscation. They claim ministers caused delays in releasing funds for Ukrainian war victims, stating Abramovich always intended to donate voluntarily once legal proceedings conclude. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper responded firmly, demanding Abramovich do the right thing and warning of government action if he refuses. The dispute follows Prime Minister Sir Keir's December threat of legal action to force Abramovich to transfer the sale proceeds toward war compensation. A March 17 deadline has been set for Abramovich's response to these demands.

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