Roman Abramovich’s funds for war victims will not only go to Ukrainians

• Chelsea owner has pledged to help all victims of the war'
• Sources leave open possibility of assistance for Russians

Roman Abramovich's plan to use the sale of Chelsea to donate funds to victims of the war in Ukraine is not solely intended for Ukrainians, raising the prospect of money going to Russian soldiers or to their families.

Abramovich confirmed on Wednesday that he wants to sell Chelsea and the Russian oligarch said that all net proceeds - understood to be the money from any sale minus legal fees - would be used for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine". The phrasing left open the possibility of the money not being entirely reserved for Ukrainians hurt, bereaved or otherwise affected by the Russian invasion of their country.