Why is Abramovich participating in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine?

Further questions about the role Abramovich played and why they were raised Monday when the Wall Street Journal and the Bellingcat research portal reported that he and a Ukrainian negotiator were among the three who were sick and had symptoms related to chemical poisoning during a round of talks in early March.

A source confirmed to Guardian that Abramovic became ill after the meeting and lost sight for several hours. He soon recovered and was able to participate in later rounds of negotiations. In addition to accusations of poisoning, many have been surprised at the presentation of a shameful oligarch at the centre of peace talks, writes Guardian.

In recent years Abramovich has been positioned as one who has withdrawn from daily business commitments and has shown no political ambitions. He was known for financing culture and generally to enjoy the benefits of his wealth. Although sometimes it can be seen in Moscow's art galleries, theaters, or restaurants, the former owner of the Chelsea football club already hates publicity and does not provide interviews.

The information about Abramovich's wealth and lifestyle has usually come to light through the courts, especially the epic court battle with Boris Berezovsky. The judge ruled in favour of Abramovich.

Abramovich recently filed a libel indictment in London against journalist Catherine Belton after rejecting several claims from her book “Putin's people”, including claims he bought Chelsea at Putin's request. The issue ended with a solution after Belton's publisher agreed that the book would admit it was not a statement of facts.

In the court case, his lawyers claimed that “Abramovich is someone who is distant from Putin”, which was questioned by his sudden appearance as sent. A source in the Ukrainian delegation told Ukrainian Pravda that Abramovich positioned himself as a neutral mediator, and his main role is to convey Kiev's views to his chief in plain language.

Alexander Rodnyansky, economic adviser to Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky, told Guardian that Abramovich behaved as mediator from his father, a Ukrainian film producer who knows the billionaire well.

In Kiev, Abramovich is viewed at least as a serious conversationor who has Putin's attention. Russia's official negotiating team consists mainly of second-hand officials not considered influential, so Putin may have chosen Abramovich as a more serious conversationor for sending Ukrainians, according to the Guardian.

“Putin looking for return channels. He doesn't believe in anything that's open. Everything must be a bit of a conspiracy”, Russian journalist Yevgenia Albats said.

A source in Moscow said Abramovich had two personal meetings with Zelensky in Kiev last month, which the Ukrainian side did not confirm. After a visit to Kiev, during which Abramovich became ill, he soon went on another trip to the Ukrainian capital, the source said.

In an interview with Russian journalists over the weekend, Zelensky said Abramovich was one of many Russian oligarchs who had contacted him by offering investments in the Ukrainian economy. He also said he was involved in unsuccessful talks on humanitarian corridors. However, he did not mention Abramovich's visits to Kiev, nor his supposed private meetings with him. Albats said the offers of Abramovich and other Russian businessmen to help Ukraine could come not only because of the horrors of war, but also because of their interest and desire to avoid Western sanctions.

It's the way people try to save their villas, their yachts and also be on the right side of the battle. Some of them are terrified. I know some who just couldn't believe what was happening, “said Albats, adding that there are some who are just worried because they can't pay their launderers.

How could they forget who he was? He is one of the biggest sponsors of Putin's” regime, said Maria Pevchik, a close associate of the imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navajo and director of investigations at his Anti-Corruption Foundation.

She told Guardian that she could not accept the idea that Abramovich could be an independent actor in negotiations.

I'm a hundred percent sure this is completely coordinated with the Kremlin. When you're Putin's doll for 22 years, it doesn't suddenly become the opposite”, Pevchik said.