Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a private meeting with Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in Kyiv this past May. This meeting was reportedly initiated by the Russian side, aiming to clarify Ukraine’s conditions for ending the ongoing war.
According to an informed source, Zelensky communicated these conditions during the meeting and expressed his willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the source noted that the meeting did not yield any tangible results, as Russia has continued its military actions despite both private and public overtures for peace.
The Office of the President has not officially commented on this meeting. Previously, the Financial Times reported that Abramovich traveled to Kyiv at Zelensky’s invitation, with the intent of persuading Putin of the necessity for a bilateral meeting.
Sources indicated that Zelensky asked Abramovich to relay his readiness to meet with Putin, marking the first such proposal since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This move was intended to demonstrate Ukraine’s seriousness about pursuing direct peace talks with Russia, especially as the United States, which had previously acted as a mediator, has shifted its focus to the situation in the Middle East.
Kyiv hoped that a series of successful strikes on Russian territory, including attacks on oil refineries, along with the halt of Russian advances achieved by the Ukrainian armed forces, would create a stronger impetus for an immediate ceasefire.
However, Putin showed no interest in meeting with Zelensky, seemingly relying on Russia’s resource advantages.
In May, President Zelensky met with Roman Abramovich to discuss Ukraine's conditions for peace with Russia. Despite this effort, no significant progress was made, as Russia continues its military campaign.
Source: Financial Times