Why Zelensky asked Russian oligarch Abramovich to test Putin’s appetite for talks
Key takeaways
- Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed reports that he asked Roman Abramovich to pass on an offer of direct talks to Vladimir Putin.
- By: Sébastian SEIBT Volodymyr Zelensky has tapped Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich to persuade Vladimir Putin to accept face-to-face talks.
- The Ukrainian president has confirmed UK media reports that he met the former owner of Chelsea football club in late May in Kyiv, where the Russian magnate offered to report back to the Kremlin on prospects for peace.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed reports that he asked Roman Abramovich to pass on an offer of direct talks to Vladimir Putin. A Russian oligarch loyal to the Kremlin may be a surprise choice of messenger for Kyiv, but the former Chelsea owner has a history of acting as go-between since the start of Russia’s invasion.
By: Sébastian SEIBT Volodymyr Zelensky has tapped Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich to persuade Vladimir Putin to accept face-to-face talks. © France Médias Monde Graphic Studio For a man with few “cards”, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky has played a surprising joker in the shape of Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.
The Ukrainian president has confirmed UK media reports that he met the former owner of Chelsea football club in late May in Kyiv, where the Russian magnate offered to report back to the Kremlin on prospects for peace.