The Kremlin confirms: Abramovich participating in Ukraine-Russia negotiations

The Kremlin has confirmed that Roman Abramovich has participated in the Russian-Ukrainian negotiations, amid media reports that the Russian billionaire had appeared as a conversationator in facilitating possible peace talks.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Abramovich “has participated in the initial phase negotiations and that this is true”.

Furthermore postponed, Peskov provided little detail, but added that “currently negotiations are continuing between the two Russian and Ukrainian negotiating teams”.

Peskov was answering a question about an article in The Wall Street Journal that reported that American President Joe Biden's administration banned sanctions against the owner of the English club, Chelsea, with the promotion of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, due to the role of oligarch in possible peace negotiations.

CNN has not independently confirmed such a discussion between Washington and Kiev and Peskov has provided no additional information.

The Financial Times has reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has personally approved Abramovichi's possible role in the talks, citing two unidentified persons with direct knowledge of the issue.

It is unclear what role at this stage Abramovich is playing in possible negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.