Zelensky confirms Abramovich traveled to Kyiv to meet with him Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Russian businessman Roman Abramovich traveled to Kyiv to act as an intermediary, carrying messages between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin. Abramovich’s goal was to understand Kyiv’s position on peace negotiations, with Zelensky conveying that Ukraine would not surrender Donbas and that compromises were contingent on a ceasefire. Putin had previously mentioned a Russian businessman meeting Zelensky in Kyiv to relay a proposal for a meeting with the Russian president.

• Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Roman Abramovich met him in Kyiv.
• Abramovich’s purpose was to carry messages between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin.
• Zelensky stated Ukraine would not cede Donbas and that compromises required a ceasefire.
• Putin had previously alluded to a Russian businessman meeting Zelensky to convey a meeting proposal.