Zelensky Urges UK to Release Frozen Abramovich Funds for Ukraine's Air Defense
President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on the UK to release £2.4 billion ($3.2 billion) in proceeds from the forced sale of Chelsea FC by sanctioned Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, saying the funds should finance air defense and anti-ballistic missile systems. The appeal came during a London meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who agreed on an "urgent need" to expand Ukraine's air defenses. Zelensky also urged Reform UK-led local councils to restore Ukrainian flags removed from civic buildings, warning that "small mistakes" could damage the wartime partnership.
LONDON (Reuters) — President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday urged the UK to release £2.4 billion ($3.2 billion) in proceeds from the forced sale of Chelsea FC by sanctioned Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, saying the funds should finance air defense and anti-ballistic missile systems for Ukraine.
Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, Zelensky said the Abramovich-linked funds should go directly to Ukraine for defense needs. “I hope they will put it back,” he said, referring to Ukrainian flags removed from civic buildings by some Reform UK-led local councils. The councils had argued that only British or local flags should be displayed. Zelensky warned that even “small mistakes” could damage the wartime partnership between Kyiv and London.
The appeal came during a London meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The leaders said there was an “urgent need” to expand Ukraine’s air defenses, increase interceptor production and develop joint anti-ballistic missile and long-range strike capabilities. The talks followed a renewed wave of Russian aerial attacks, including missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine’s NATO ambitions must remain on the table. “Ukraine and the UK need each other,” he said, stressing that Britain has been one of Kyiv’s most important partners since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.