Zelenskyy proposes using Abramovich's funds for Ukraine's air defense — The Guardian
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club could be used to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense. The amount in question is 2.4 billion pounds sterling, which, according to the president, should be directed toward protecting Ukrainian airspace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he raised the issue of the fate of the frozen billions belonging to sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The British government plans to allocate these funds to Ukraine’s humanitarian needs, but Zelenskyy proposes a higher priority solution—defending the skies.
As Zelenskyy said in an interview with The Guardian, the £2.4 billion from the sale of Chelsea Football Club could be used to purchase additional missile defense systems from the U.S. This is critically important for protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
This involves expensive equipment and anti-ballistic missiles that could be purchased, in particular, through the PURL program.
“They [the missiles] are very expensive, and, of course, this money could help. It’s only fair between us. Russia started this war—why not use Russian money?” Zelenskyy said.
Transferring this money for military needs is a legally complex process, but Ukraine is actively working to ensure that Russian assets begin working for its security right now.
“The Prime Minister told me that he is doing everything he can, and I know that our diplomatic teams are discussing this. It’s a difficult moment,” Zelenskyy explained.
He also joked that Abramovich didn’t bring the money with him when they met in Kyiv last month.
“He didn’t bring that money. I said, ‘We need your money,’” Zelenskyy said.
In addition, the president said he asked Starmer and allies for additional help in “closing the sky” to Russian attacks, as well as for funds to transition Ukrainian troops to professional contracts instead of conscription.
Zelenskyy welcomed the UK’s sanctions against Russia’s “shadow fleet” and noted that Ukraine needs additional sanctions against Moscow “as soon as possible” to deter Russian leader Putin from escalating military attacks with the aim of “fighting to the end” in the war against Ukraine, The Guardian reports.
As a reminder, during his speech at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin confirmed the visit of an unnamed business representative and the proposal to meet from Zelenskyy, but stated that he sees no point in such a personal meeting, as he continues to believe that Russia’s advantage in resources will allow it to achieve its goals.
Zelenskyy has published an open letter to Putin—full text.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow is allegedly ready for negotiations to end the war against Ukraine, but sees no readiness for dialogue on the Ukrainian side.
