now he wants to give them (also) to Russia – Corriere.it

Promised money, money of which, however – at the moment – there is no trace. Just over a year ago Roman Abramovichthe most famous Russian oligarch in the West and always close to Vladimir Putin, sold his Chelsea for 2.5 billion pounds to the consortium led by the American Todd Boehly, a move made necessary by the sanctions imposed by the British government following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Abramovich himself, who had acted as mediator between Kiev and Moscow, had guaranteed with a statement that the entire proceeds from the sale of the English club would be destined for war victims but, according to what was underlined by the Daily Mailthe oligarch’s intentions would have changed: now he wants to donate the money to Russia. Or rather, even to the Russians affected by the conflict. It’s either this or nothing.

Will the money arrive before winter?

A hypothesis not even remotely contemplated by the British government and the European Commission. The fact is that Abramovich, one of the first oligarchs sanctioned for being close to Putin, has not yet signed the release of fundsso that the Foreign Ministry, the Secretary of State James Cleverly over all, he said he could not guarantee the money could be released before the summer recess of MPsscheduled for next month. At first the hope was to receive the sum last summer, then developments were expected for January. Now the goal is that you arrive at your destination anticipating the return of winter and all the rigid conditions that this entails for the population.

Abramovich, through his press office, he reiterated his plans to transfer the proceeds to a charitable foundation for the needs of victims of both sides. The £2.3bn in question is in a frozen UK bank account belonging to Fordstama company controlled by the oligarch, with the Foreign Office which has not yet given the green light to the transfer of money. Indeed, this can only be earmarked for Ukrainian humanitarian causes. In the meantime Abramovich has found refuge from the sanctions in Turkey, in Istanbul, where he is staying in a maxi villa rented by his friend Ahmet Okumus, a leading figure on the stock market.