Ukraine seeks Abramovich billions as Zelenskyy wants to strengthen air defense
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Photo: facebook.com/zeenskyy.official)
Zelenskyy raised the issue of the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea with Starmer and proposed using them to purchase missile defense systems for Ukraine, reports The Guardian.
What Zelenskyy said
In an interview with The Guardian following talks in London, the president said he had approached Starmer about the funds from the sale of Chelsea. According to him, part of that money could be used to purchase anti-ballistic missiles through the PURL program.
"They are very expensive, and of course this money can help, and it’s fair between us. So Russia began this war. Why not use Russian money?" he said.
Zelenskyy also joked about meeting Abramovich in Kyiv last month. "He didn’t bring this money. I said: ‘We need your money,’" the president recounted.
What is happening with the money
The British government has earmarked £2.4 billion from the sale of Chelsea for humanitarian needs in Ukraine, but the funds have not yet been transferred.
Abramovich failed to meet the deadline to fulfill the commitment, due to a dispute over the terms for using the money. British officials are preparing for a possible lawsuit.
Starmer assured Zelenskyy that he is making every effort.
"I know that our diplomatic teams speak about it, and of course, it’s difficult moment," the president quoted the prime minister as saying.
The British government tried to reach a voluntary agreement with Abramovich, but ultimately announced it would take him to court after failing to reach a deal.
At the same time, Ukrainians affected by the war may receive less than half of the $3.09 billion obtained from the sale of the club. Britain had previously also threatened Abramovich with legal action if he did not voluntarily transfer the funds to Ukraine.
