Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich attended the ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, Turkey on Tuesday, a day after it was reported that he and two Ukrainian negotiators might have been poisoned.
Russian state-owned outlet RIA Novosti reported that the Russian billionaire had arrived in Istanbul to meet with the Turkish president.
There were photos and videos posted on social media showing the back of the room where the Ukrainian and Russian delegations met. In the images, the oligarch appeared to be seated next to the Turkey's presidential spokesman.
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The layout of the room where the discussions were held was shown in photos from the Turkish government.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that a meeting in Kyiv last month resulted in symptoms of suspected poisoning. The outlet said the billionaire and the two Ukrainian negotiators had red eyes and peeling skin.
It was not immediately clear how the suspected attack was carried out or if a chemical, biological, or electromagnetic radiation agent was involved. The outlet reported that people familiar with the matter said that the attack was an attempt to derail the talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said thatAbramovich was trying to help the country in its negotiations with Russia. According to the Journal, the US has been asked to abandon plans to sanction the Russian billionaire.
Zelenskyy told reporters on Sunday that he was aware that he was helping with the humanitarian issue.
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