Why Zelensky asked Russian oligarch Abramovich to test Putin’s appetite for talks
Summary
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich to deliver a message to President Vladimir Putin about Ukraine’s willingness for direct talks. Abramovich has acted as a go-between in the Russia-Ukraine conflict since it began and has contacts trusted by both sides.Key Facts
- Zelensky met Abramovich in Kyiv in late May 2026 to discuss peace possibilities.
- Abramovich conveyed that Russia wants to understand Ukraine’s position.
- Zelensky told Abramovich that he is ready for a face-to-face meeting with Putin anytime.
- Putin confirmed meeting a business representative but said he was not an official envoy.
- Abramovich is under UK and European sanctions but continues to live between Turkey and the Gulf.
- Abramovich helped facilitate early peace talks, grain export agreements, and prisoner exchanges.
- He once tried to negotiate the release of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.
- Zelensky trusts Abramovich despite his loyalty to the Kremlin and asked the US not to sanction him.
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