Britain is preparing to take former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich to court in a bid to seize the £2.5 billion proceeds from the sale of the club and redirect the money to humanitarian relief in Ukraine, Sir Keir Starmer has warned, escalating a long-running standoff over funds frozen since 2022.

The Prime Minister told the House of Commons that Abramovich had been given a final opportunity to honour the commitment made when Chelsea was sold following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

If the Russian oligarch fails to release the money voluntarily, the Government is ready to pursue legal action to ensure it is transferred regardless.

Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions in response to Labour MP Jessica Morden, Sir Keir said the Government had been working closely with international allies to unlock frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukrainians affected by the war.

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