---
title: "Zelenskyy proposes using proceeds from Chelsea sale to purchase missile defense systems for Ukraine"
description: "Zelenskyy proposed to Starmer that proceeds from the sale of Chelsea be used to purchase missile defense systems for Ukraine. The President reminded that \"Russian money\" should go towards the country's defense. Britain has reserved 2.4 billion pounds, but due to a dispute with Abramovich, the funds have not yet been transferred, and authorities are preparing for court. ⚽🇺🇦🇬🇧"
date: 2026-06-08T21:28:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/zelenskyy-proposes-using-proceeds-from-chelsea-sale-to-purchase-missile-defense-systems-for-ukraine
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Zelenskyy proposes using proceeds from Chelsea sale to purchase missile defense systems for Ukraine

![Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Kevin Holmes discuss funding for Ukraine's air defense](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/08/zelenaskiy-predlozhil-napravit-vyruchku-ot-chelsi-na-zakupku-protivoraketnyh-sistem/zelenaskiy-predlozhil-napravit-vyruchku-ot-chelsi-na-zakupku-protivoraketnyh-sistem-1.webp)

During his visit to London, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy raised the issue of the funds generated from the sale of the football club Chelsea with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The head of state proposed directing part of these funds towards the acquisition of anti-ballistic missiles to protect Ukraine.

### "Why not use Russian money?"

In an interview with The Guardian following the negotiations, Zelenskyy revealed details of his conversation with Starmer. The President noted that the cost of modern missile defense systems is extremely high, and the proceeds from the club's sale could significantly assist in their acquisition through the PURL program.

"They are very expensive, and of course, this money could help. Russia started this war — why not use Russian money?" — stated the Ukrainian leader.

In the context of this conversation, Zelenskyy also recalled his meeting with Roman Abramovich in Kyiv last month. The President joked that the businessman did not bring the promised funds. "He didn't bring this money. I said: we need your money," Zelenskyy shared.

### The fate of 2.4 billion pounds

The situation regarding the finances from the sale of Chelsea remains complex. The British government has already reserved 2.4 billion pounds sterling for humanitarian needs in Ukraine, however, the funds have not yet been transferred. The reason for the delay lies in a dispute between the UK authorities and Roman Abramovich regarding the conditions for using these funds.

Abramovich failed to fulfill his obligations within the established timeframe. British officials reported that they attempted to reach an agreement with the club owner voluntarily, but failing to do so, announced their intention to sue him. "I know that our diplomatic teams are talking about this. It is a difficult moment," the President of Ukraine conveyed the Prime Minister's words.

### Risks for war victims

The question of exactly how much funding will reach Ukrainians remains open. It was previously reported that war victims might receive less than half of the $3.09 billion generated from the sale of the club. Britain has repeatedly threatened Abramovich with a lawsuit if he does not voluntarily transfer the funds to Ukraine, and now this process, apparently, is entering an active phase.