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Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea FC looks on during the Premier League match

Roman Abramovich in Belarus Assisting Talks at Kyiv's Request

Russian-Israeli billionaire Roman Abramovich, at the request of Ukraine, is in Belarus assisting in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine as part of an effort to end the ongoing war, The Jerusalem Post has learned. Abramovich was asked by the Ukrainians to help in enabling the talks and has traveled to Belarus to participate in the discussions.

Delegations from Russia and Ukraine arrived at the Belarusian border town of Gomel on Sunday, February 27, and began talks aimed at finding a way to end the fighting in Ukraine. Abramovich has close ties with the Jewish communities in Ukraine and Russia.

Ukraine's Ambassador to Israel Yevgen Kornichuk would not comment specifically on Abramovich's involvement in the talks, but said that "we appreciate anyone who can help if he has enough influence."

Abramovich, the owner of the Chelsea Football Club, has come under fire in London over reports of his past relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Calls have mounted in parliament for him to be sanctioned. On Sunday, he decided to give the "stewardship" of Chelsea over to trustees of the club's charitable foundation.

A spokesperson for Abramovich would not comment on the reports that he was in Belarus but confirmed that he was approached by the Ukrainian officials.

“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 understanding as to why we have not commented on neither the situation as such nor his involvement,” the spokesperson said. (JPost / VFI News)

“God, we ask that you advance the cause of peace in Ukraine, by whatever means necessary.”