Zelenskyy Explained How He Plans To Spend The Billions From Russian Oligarch Abramovich
6- 9.06.2026, 9:11
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The use of the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea was discussed with the British Prime Minister.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview The Guardian, proposed using the £2.4 billion received from the sale of Chelsea Football Club by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense.
According to Zelenskyy, he discussed with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer the fate of the funds that remain frozen following the sale of Chelsea in 2022. British authorities had previously stated that the money should be directed toward Ukraine’s needs, but the question of its use remains unresolved.
The Ukrainian leader believes these funds could help Kyiv acquire anti-ballistic missiles to defend against Russian attacks.
“We need more security, and we are trying, through the PURL program (the ‘Priority List of Ukraine’s Needs’ program, which allows NATO allies to fund the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine. — Ed.) to buy anti-ballistic missiles from the U.S. They are very expensive, and this money could help. That would be fair. Russia started this war. Why not use Russian money?” Zelenskyy said.
He said he raised this issue during a recent meeting with Abramovich himself in Kyiv.
“He didn’t bring that money with him. I told him: ‘We need your money,’” the Ukrainian president joked.
According to the publication, British officials are already preparing for a possible legal battle over the dispute regarding exactly how the proceeds from the club’s sale should be used.
As a reminder, Roman Abramovich sold Chelsea in May 2022 after British sanctions were imposed against him. The deal was worth approximately £2.5 billion (about $3.2 billion). The funds were frozen in a special account in the UK pending agreement on how they would be used.
In May of this year, Zelenskyy met with Abramovich in Kyiv. Later, the Financial Times reported that through the Russian businessman, the Ukrainian president conveyed to Vladimir Putin a proposal to hold a direct meeting to discuss ending the war.
Zelenskyy himself confirmed the meeting, explaining that he had discussed possible peace talks and Ukraine’s position on Donbas with Abramovich.
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