Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich assisting with Russia-Ukraine peace talks, says spokesperson

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is a key player in early peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, according to his spokesperson. The Russian oligarch, who has always denied he has a close relationship with Vladimir Putin, was apparently approached by officials in Kyiv — with his representative telling the Jerusalem Post he has been helping ever since.

Ad/> “I can confirm that Roman Abramovich was contacted by the Ukrainian side for support in achieving a peaceful resolution, and that he has been trying to help ever since,” said the spokesperson. FootballFIFA falls short on weekend football shows its support – The Warm-Up6 HOURS AGO “Considering what is at stake, we would ask for understanding as to why we have not commented on neither the situation as such nor his involvement.” Talks are taking place on the Belarus-Ukraine border on the fifth day of fighting since Russia began its invasion and the Jerusalem Post reports Mr Abramovich is currently in Belarus, though it is not clear whether he is around the table himself.

Several MPs have called for Abramovich to be sanctioned by the UK government, but no such measures have been imposed on him. On Saturday, he handed over ‘stewardship’ of Chelsea to the club's charitable foundation.

He remains the owner, but the running of the club is entrusted to Bruce Buck, with director Marina Granovskaia still in control of football matters. ‘Totally unacceptable’ — Poland calls for tougher action on Russia from FIFA Schalke officially cut ties with Gazprom in stand against Russia FIFA falls short on weekend football shows its support – The Warm-Up Alexander Rodnyansky, a Ukrainian film director who has twice been nominated for an Oscar, has also confirmed Abramovich’s involvement.