Why did President Zelensky choose Roman Abramovich—a sanctioned Russian oligarch—as a peace intermediary, despite his ties to the Kremlin?

Zelensky chose Abramovich because he has repeatedly acted as a trusted backchannel since the start of the full-scale invasion—facilitating the March 2022 Turkey peace talks, brokering the Ukraine grain export agreement, enabling multiple prisoner swaps, and even attempting in 2024 to secure Alexei Navalny’s release; crucially, Abramovich maintains Kremlin loyalty without overt criticism of Moscow, which allows him to retain credibility with both sides, and Zelensky reportedly asked President Biden not to add him to the US sanctions list specifically to preserve his mediating role.

What did Abramovich convey from the Kremlin to Zelensky during their late May meeting in Kyiv, and what was Zelensky’s response?

Abramovich conveyed that 'the Russians want to understand what we are ready to do', signaling Moscow’s interest in gauging Ukraine’s negotiating position; in response, Zelensky tasked him to tell Putin that he remains open to a face-to-face meeting 'at any time', confirming Ukraine’s readiness for direct talks while using Abramovich as an unofficial diplomatic conduit.

Zelensky Asks Russian Oligarch Abramovich to Test Putin’s Appetite for Talks

Jun 9, 2026

Ukrainian President Zelensky met Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich to convey openness to peace talks, referencing his past role in brokering grain export agreements.

france24

2026-06-09

Zelensky Asks Russian Oligarch Abramovich to Test Putin’s Appetite for Talks

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