Truss refuses to rule out Abramovich sanction as 'oligarch hit list' compiled

Foreign Secretary Lizz Truss has refused to rule out slapping Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich with sanctions in the wake of Russia's invasion on Ukraine.

Abramovich made headlines on Saturday evening when he released a statement announcing that he was relinquishing the "stewardship and care" of the club to the Blues charitable foundation until further notice.

The 55-year-old allegedly has links with Vladimir Putin - something he denies - and is one of many Russian oligarchs who could be sanctioned in the coming weeks as Europe bids to deter the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had, wrongfully, claimed earlier this week that Abramovich had already been subjected to sanctions.

However, Truss refused to rule out the Chelsea chief when she was asked specifically about Abramovich on Sunday morning.

"This week we'll be introducing the economic crime bill which will create a lot more transparency around the structures of these companies and make it much clearer what is going on," Truss told Sky News.

"I've compiled a hit list of these oligarchs...I'm not going to say who is on the list, but what I can tell you is there are over 100 billionaires in Russia; we have compiled a hit list of these oligarchs, we're working through and putting the cases together and every few weeks we will sanction new oligarchs.

"There will be a rolling program of sanctions, we will go through the hit list. We're targeting oligarchs private jets, we'll be targeting their properties, we'll be targeting other possessions that they have and there will be nowhere to hide."

Labour MP Chris Bryant had called for Abramovich to face sanctions earlier this week after Putin went ahead with plans to attack Ukraine.

Bryant claimed that Abramovich should be banned from owning a football club in the country and made further calls for the billionaire's assets to be seized.

That preceded the statement released by Abramovich on Saturday evening - although there are still a number of unanswered questions in the wake of Abramovich breaking his silence.

He said: "During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the Club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities.

"I have always taken decisions with the Club's best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values.

"That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea's charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.

"I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans."