Russian oligarch Abramovich, Ukrainian peace negotiators suffered suspected poisoning: Reports
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and Ukrainian peace negotiators experienced symptoms of suspected poisoning following a meeting in Kyiv earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported. Abramovich, who accepted Ukraine's request to help de-escalate the conflict with Russia, and two senior members involved in the peace talks, reportedly suffered from peeling skin on their faces and hands, constant and painful tearing, and red eyes.
Why does this story matter?
Abramovich participated in peace talks shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine last month, however, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said last week that Abramovich was no longer involved in the negotiations. He is reportedly the only Russian oligarch to have attempted peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Abramovich is said to be a confidante of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Negotiators consumed only chocolate and water
The negotiators reportedly only ate chocolate and drank water during a meeting leading up to the onset of symptoms. They flew to Poland the next day, from where they further traveled to Istanbul for the next round of negotiations. According to reports, they were inspected in Istanbul by a team of experts who stated that their symptoms were coherent with possible chemical weapon poisoning.
Who is behind the poisoning?
While no clear suspect has been identified, the alleged poisoning is thought to be the job of Kremlin hardliners opposing any negotiated settlement. According to experts, the symptoms suggested that the officials were exposed to porphyrin, organophosphates, or bicyclic substances. The dosage used was purposefully low, and the goal was simply to frighten the targets, reports claimed. Abramovich's condition has improved since the incident.
Ukraine calls it 'unverified information and sensation'
Ukrainian officials have dismissed the report. When asked about the alleged poisoning, Ukrainian negotiator Mykhailo Podolyak stated, "There is a lot of speculation, various conspiracy theories." Another member of the negotiating team urged people not to believe "unverified information." Later, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that "everyone is thirsty for news and sensations," while advising negotiators not to consume or preferably touch anything.
Abramovich participated in Russia-Ukraine negotiations on March 3
According to Bellingcat, an investigative news site based in the Netherlands, Abramovich's efforts appeared to be futile when he participated in the negotiations on March 3. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pleaded with US President Joe Biden not to announce sanctions against Abramovich for his participation in the talks. He is also considered close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who approved his peacemaking efforts.
Western sanctions on Abramovich
Significantly, Abramovich has been sanctioned by Canada, the EU, and the United Kingdom amidst the Russia-Ukraine crisis, targeting his most visible asset—the Chelsea Football Club. The club's assets have been frozen, it is not permitted to sell additional game tickets or merchandise, and it is not permitted to transfer players. Notably, Abramovich announced his intention to sell the club earlier this month.
