Roman Abramovich: From rags, to riches, to 'ripping off' Ukraine

The government is threatening to take former Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich to court over the proceeds of the sale of the club.

Three years after being sanctioned for the oligarch's links to the Russian president, £2.5bn remains frozen in a bank account. The funds are earmarked for Ukrainian aid, but where will they end up?

In today's episode, Niall Paterson talks to the financier and author Bill Bowder and Sky's sports correspondent Rob Harris about how Abramovich went from orphan to oligarch and where sanctions leave him today.

Lawyers for Abramovich did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Producer: Gabriel Radus and Emily Hulme
Editor: Philly Beaumont

The Sky News Daily podcast with Niall Paterson brings a deeper look at the big stories - with Sky News correspondents and expert guests.

Every night at 5pm, Niall is joined by the correspondents we have around the UK and across the globe to take a breath and help you get your head around the topics of the day.

We're joined by guests too who can take you through the questions you have about the news.

Less breaking news, more understanding news.
The full story at 5pm.

Email Niall skynewsdaily@sky.uk

• No. of episodes: 1,000
• Latest episode: 2025-06-20
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