Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russian businessman Roman Abramovich visited Kyiv and offered to act as a mediator in conveying messages between the Ukrainian and Russian sides. According to Zelensky, he conveyed his readiness for a personal meeting with Vladimir Putin through Abramovich.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he met in Kyiv with Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, who offered to use his contacts to convey messages between the Ukrainian and Russian leadership.
Zelensky made this announcement in an interview with Sky News.
According to the Ukrainian president, Abramovich expressed his willingness to act as a mediator and convey the positions of both sides without public disclosure. Zelensky noted that for Kyiv, the issue of publicity was not fundamentally important.
“It's your choice,” Zelensky said, responding to the suggestion to conduct such contacts privately.
During the conversation, possible conditions for future negotiations between Ukraine and Russia were also discussed. Zelensky stated that he informed Abramovich of Kyiv's principled position regarding territorial issues.
He emphasized that Ukraine is not ready to agree to the transfer of Donbas to Russia. At the same time, he stressed that any compromises are only possible after a ceasefire.
What is important to know: Zelensky's statement was the first public confirmation that Abramovich personally visited Kyiv and participated in informal contacts between the parties.
The Ukrainian president also mentioned that he conveyed his readiness for a personal meeting with Vladimir Putin through Abramovich.
According to Zelensky, Kyiv is open to considering various formats for negotiations—from a bilateral meeting to talks involving the U.S. and European partners. However, the Ukrainian side does not consider the possibility of holding such a meeting in Moscow or Minsk.
Zelensky's statements came a few days after Vladimir Putin mentioned during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum the visit to Kyiv by a representative of Russian business, although he did not name this individual at the time.
At the same time, attempts to resume direct dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv continue. Last week, Zelensky publicly proposed to Putin to hold a bilateral meeting, but the Russian side did not support this initiative.
Thus, Zelensky's interview sheds additional light on the behind-the-scenes contacts that continue alongside the official statements from both sides regarding possible paths to resolve the conflict.
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