Roman Abramovich ‘begged Putin to end war in Ukraine as he tried to dodge sanctions’ – World News

Turkey said Abramovich, who is being sanctioned by European nations over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was part of the Russian delegation at peace talks in Istanbul this week and is “sincerely” working to end the war

Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich reportedly arranged a private meeting with President Vladimir Putin and made strong arguments for ending the war with Ukraine.

Turkey said Abramovich, who is being sanctioned by European nations over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was part of the Russian delegation at peace talks in Istanbul this week and is “sincerely” working to end the war.

Abramovich made a surprise appearance at Tuesday’s talks in Istanbul, but video footage showed he was sitting among observers rather than with the two negotiating teams.

Speaking to reporters on a flight from Uzkebistakn, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said Abramovich’s presence shows that Russian President Vladimir Putin “believes and trusts him,” according to NTV and others.

“Abramovich took part in the negotiations as part of the Russian delegation.

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told broadcaster A Haber that Abramovich has been operating between Kyiv and Moscow since the February 24 invasion and is “sincerely” working to end the fighting.

“Of course official talks are important, negotiations are important, but public opinion is sensitive, everyone wants to assert their position and there are channels that should be kept open between leaders and countries.

“This is where Abramovich plays a useful role,” he said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said Abramovich was not an official member of the Russian delegation, but acknowledged his presence to “enable certain contacts.”

According to reports, Abramovich even traveled to Kyiv at least twice to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

But Abramovich’s critics claim he is using the talks to try to salvage his overseas assets.

“I’m not sure how real and effective his involvement in this mediation is, and how much of it is a PR tool,” said Vladimir Ashurkov, executive director of the anti-corruption foundation set up by jailed Russian dissident Alexei Navalny became financial times.

“He’s a creative guy and he has creative people working for him, so it can only be a way to ease the sanctions.”

As a member of the NATO military alliance, Turkey shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea, has good relations with both and has offered mediation.

She has supported Kyiv but also opposes sanctions against Moscow, including measures against Abramovich and other Russian billionaires.

Abramovich had attempted to sell his English football club Chelsea, a process taken out of his hands by the UK government when it blacklisted him.

Superyachts associated with him, which together are valued at an estimated US$1.2 billion, have been docked in Bodrum and Marmaris in south-west Turkey as of last week.

Sources have said he and other wealthy Russians want to invest elsewhere in Turkey amid sanctions.