The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that Roman Abramovich is an informal facilitator of Russia-Ukraine peace talks.
The Journal's report is based on conversations with Ukrainian officials, including David Arakhamia, a main negotiator.
The billionaire businessman was photographed at the peace talks in Istanbul. The UK ambassador to Ukranian said he had no idea why the billionaire was there.
I don't know if he's buying his way out or if he's really useful, that's very difficult to tell
The Biden Administration was requested to hold off on the sanctions due to his role in the negotiations. The UK and the EU have imposed sanctions on him.
Along with the majority of Russia's elite,Abramovich has attempted to shift and unload his foreign assets.
The Kremlin spokesman said earlier this week that Roman Abramovich is involved in ensuring certain contacts between the Russian and Ukrainian sides.
He is not an official member of the delegation.
The role of the oligarch beyond the negotiating table was brought to light by his reported involvement in prisoner exchanges and humanitarian corridors. Insider was unable to get a response from Abramovich.
Russia has been accused of attacking civilians. Four people, including a mother and her two children, were killed the first week of March when Russian forces shelled a bridge being used by civilians fleeing a suburb just outside of Kyiv.
Arakhamia told the Journal that they invited Roman and asked if he could ask his boss why it was this way. This is a reference to Russian President Putin.
He told the outlet that Abramovich is able to provide alternative solutions.
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