The British government has blocked most of a 100,000 dollar charitable donation intended to support Ukrainian children displaced by war, approving only the portion designated for use inside Ukraine while rejecting funds meant for children now living in Israel. The donation was proposed by businessman Eugene Shvidler, who has been under British sanctions since 2022 despite never holding Russian citizenship and not visiting Russia since 2007.

The funds were intended for the Alumim Children Center, a Jewish educational and welfare organization originally based in Zhytomyr. After Russia's invasion, the center relocated part of its operations to Ashkelon, where it provides housing and support for evacuated Ukrainian children, while continuing its activities in Ukraine. Shvidler’s legal team sought approval to transfer the full amount for humanitarian purposes, later specifying that 20,000 dollars would go to Ukraine and 80,000 dollars to children in Israel.

Authorities approved the portion for Ukraine but rejected the funds earmarked for Israel, arguing that releasing money for use outside Ukraine could undermine the purpose of the sanctions regime. The decision comes amid wider scrutiny over the basis for Shvidler’s original designation, which reports suggest was made under political pressure. The British government has not publicly commented on the specific ruling regarding the donation.