Russia reveals what Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich did when the Russian invasion of Ukraine started

Russia has confirmed outgoing Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was involved in early peace talks following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“He did take part at the initial stage,” Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s press secretary, said of Abramovich on Thursday, as quoted by The Mirror. “Now the negotiations are between the two teams, the Russians and Ukrainians.”

Abramovich’s mother, Irina, was born in Ukraine and his daughter, Sofia, has posted on social media to declare it is only Putin who “wants a war with Ukraine”.

A spokesperson for Abramovich released a statement four days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: “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.

“Considering what is at stake, we would ask for your understanding as to why we have not commented on neither the situation as such nor his involvement. Thank you.”

Abramovich’s role in the early peace talks was also confirmed by Ukrainian film director and producer Alexander Rodnyansky, who said: “I can confirm that the Ukrainian side have been trying to find someone in Russia willing to help them in finding a peaceful resolution.

“They are connected to Roman Abramovich through the Jewish community and reached out to him for help. Roman Abramovich has been trying to mobilise support for a peaceful resolution ever since. Although Roman Abramovich’s influence is limited, he is the only one who responded and taken it upon himself to try. If this will have an impact or not, I don’t know, but I am in contact with Zelensky’s staff myself, and know that they are grateful for his genuine efforts.”