Abramovich and Ukrainian negotiators ‘suffered symptoms of suspected poisoning’

The Russian oligarch and at least two senior members of the Ukrainian delegation developed symptoms that included red eyes and peeling skin on their faces and hands. Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire.

Sanctioned Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and Ukrainian peace negotiators suffered symptoms of suspected poisoning earlier this month after a meeting in Kyiv, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The Chelsea FC owner, who accepted a Ukrainian request to help negotiate an end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and at least two senior members of the Ukrainian team, were affected, the WSJ report said.

Their symptoms included red eyes, constant and painful tearing, and peeling skin on their faces and hands, the WSJ report added.

Mr Abramovich and the Ukrainian negotiators, including Crimean Tatar lawmaker Rustem Umerov, have since improved and their lives are not in danger, WSJ reported.

The WSJ said Mr Abramovich met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the trip, but the Ukrainian leader was not affected and his spokesman had no information about the alleged incident.

A person familiar with the matter confirmed the incident to Reuters but said Mr Abramovich had not allowed it to stop him from working.

It is understood the oligarch had been involved in talks about securing humanitarian corridors to allow Ukrainians to leave and bringing other countries to the negotiating table.

The Kremlin has said Mr Abramovich played an early role in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine but the process was now in the hands of the two sides' negotiating teams.

A spokesman for the businessman previously said he was playing a “limited” role in trying to find a “peaceful resolution” between the two countries.

Mr Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government earlier this month over his connections with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Government described him as “a prominent Russian businessman and pro-Kremlin oligarch” who is “associated with a person who is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine and undermining and threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine” – Mr Putin.

The Government said Mr Abramovich had received financial benefits from the Kremlin, including tax breaks for his companies, the buying and selling of shares from and to the state at favourable rates, and contacts in the run-up to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

“He is one of the few oligarchs from the 1990s to maintain prominence under Putin,” a statement said.

Mr Abramovich has denied any association with the Russian regime.

- Reuters & Press Association