Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Roman Abramovich has come under fire for being close to Vladimir Putin. But the chairman of Chelsea, who has been banned from British territory, is currently in Belarus, according to the Jerusalem Post, to take part in negotiations for a ceasefire between the two countries.
The businessman and Russian oligarch, who announced this weekend that he would step back and entrust “the administrators of the charitable foundation of Chelsea with the management” of the Blues, could play a role in peace between the Ukraine and Russia. “I can confirm that Roman Abramovich was contacted by the Ukrainian side to obtain support in the search for a peaceful solution, and that he has been trying to help since,” his spokesman told the Israeli media.
“Given what is at stake, we ask you to understand why we have not commented on either the situation as such or its implication,” he added. Roman Abramovich reportedly responded favorably to Alexander Rodnyansky’s appeal. This film producer, who is close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, would have approached Abramovich, who has been very discreet since the beginning of the war led by Russia, at the request of Ukraine. “The government wanted to find a Russian willing to help for peace. Roman responded positively to this call,” said Alexander Rodnyansky.
The director opted for Roman Abramovich for his relationship with Vladimir Putin, which could help find a way out of the crisis and “reach a peaceful solution”. Even if the Chelsea president would only have a “limited” influence, Ukraine and its president Zelensky are no less grateful for “his sincere efforts”.