Ukraine's Foreign Ministry Comments on Roman Abramovich's Visit
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has addressed the recent trip of Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich to the capital city. The ministry described these interactions as part of an effort to seize every possible opportunity to achieve a just peace. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhiy Tykhyi urged the media and the public not to speculate about backchannel talks with a representative of the Russian oligarchy. He noted that the President of Ukraine had already provided frank and thorough explanations regarding the purpose and nature of this meeting.
Zelensky's Meeting with Abramovich
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that he met with Roman Abramovich in Kyiv in May to deliver a letter to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. According to the president, Abramovich's visit 'was not a secret.' The oligarch wanted to understand what official Kyiv would be willing to accept when it came to peace negotiations. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine will not concede control over Donbas.
Earlier reports indicated that President Volodymyr Zelensky had sent a message to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin via an influential Russian oligarch at the end of May. According to sources cited by the Financial Times, on May 21, Zelensky asked Roman Abramovich to convey to Putin his willingness to meet in a bilateral summit. It is worth recalling that on June 4, the President's Office released an open letter from Zelensky to Putin proposing a personal meeting in a neutral country, a ceasefire during negotiations, and a large-scale prisoner exchange under the 'all-for-all' formula.
The President of Ukraine uses every, even the smallest, opportunity to bring peace closer. That is the correct and comprehensive assessment of this contact.
Heorhiy Tykhyi
Commenting on the logistical details of the Russian billionaire's arrival in Kyiv under conditions of closed borders and full-scale war, Tykhyi spoke with irony: 'As for the specific details of organizing Abramovich's visit: I won't surprise you with anything interesting... One thing is certain: he did not arrive by plane.'
Roman Abramovich's visit to Kyiv underscores Ukraine's attempts to find pathways for a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Russia, despite the difficult circumstances of war. Statements from Ukrainian leadership indicate a readiness to engage in dialogue to reach a compromise, yet the country's position on territorial integrity remains unwavering. The role of intermediaries in this situation is crucial, as they can help establish communication between the warring sides and facilitate peace negotiations.
Following the recent developments in Kyiv, President Zelensky's diplomatic efforts appear to be intensifying. His subsequent arrival in London, after sending an open letter to Putin, underscores Ukraine's commitment to pursuing peace through dialogue. For more insights on his latest initiatives and the implications for international relations, read about Zelensky's trip to London after the open letter to Putin.