UK mulls using seized oligarchs’ homes for refugees fleeing war in Ukraine

LONDON, England — Ukrainian refugees could be housed in property owned by sanctioned Russian oligarchs, the UK government said on Monday, as it unveiled a scheme for Britons wanting to open their homes to those fleeing the war.

Asked about the possibility, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman told reporters that it was “something we’re looking at.”

But Health Secretary Sajid Javid earlier cautioned that the mansions should not be the “first place,” considered to house refugees, warning of “legal hurdles” to clear first.

Protesters on Monday took matters into their own hands, breaking into and occupying a luxury property supposedly owned by Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska.

“We are a property liberation front,” one of the activists told AFP. “I think a war refugee deserves it, it would at least raise his mood a little bit.”

Deripaska was last week hit with an assets freeze and travel ban alongside six other Russian billionaires, including his former business associate Roman Abramovich.

The UK has faced criticism over its policy towards those fleeing the violence in Ukraine, with places limited at the moment to those who already have family in the country.

But the government on Monday launched the “Homes for Ukraine” program, which could see “tens of thousands” of Ukrainians without family ties be allowed to stay in the UK.

The scheme will enable individuals, charities, community groups, and businesses to volunteer accommodation for refugees for a minimum of six months.

It is open to Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members and will allow them to live and work in the UK for up to three years and access healthcare, benefits, and education.

“All concerned want to play their part in supporting Ukrainians who have been through so much,” senior minister Michael Gove told parliament.

“The British people have already opened their hearts in so many ways and we are hopeful that many will also be ready to open their homes to help those feeling persecution.”

The website to register as a host went live as Gove spoke.

Cancer flights

Hosts, who will be given £350 ($457; 418 euros) a month, must submit the names of those they wish to sponsor, with NGOs and charities working to identify those most in need.

But additional overhead costs could prove problematic: Britons are grappling with the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, as energy bills and inflation soar.

Johnson’s Downing Street office said Monday that the prime minister himself will not be taking any Ukrainian refugees, citing “specific challenges around security.”

Former England footballer Gary Lineker has said he would be happy to take part, after previously hosting a refugee law student from Balochistan.

Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Monday urged London to accept her country’s offer to welcome 3,000 refugees, effective immediately.

More than 20 Ukrainian children with cancer have meanwhile been airlifted to the UK, the government said on Monday.

Health minister Javid said the 21 children had been receiving treatment in Ukraine, but were forced to leave their homes because of Russia’s invasion.

They are now being given “life-saving” care by Britain’s state-run National Health Service (NHS) and have been accompanied by their caregivers, he told Sky News television.

The government in London has been criticized for insisting that those fleeing the conflict and wanting to join family members in the UK have to apply for visas to be able to travel.

Its insistence on security checks and visas has earned it unfavorable comparisons with the European Union, which is allowing Ukrainians visa-free stays for up to three years.

The foreign ministry said 4,000 visas had been granted under the family scheme, as of Sunday afternoon.