Roman Abramovich pictured at peace talks in Istanbul after ‘suspected poisoning’
The Chelsea owner experienced symptoms of poisoning following a meeting in Ukraine earlier this month
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Roman Abramovich has been pictured in Turkey having recovered from suspected poisoning during his attempts to aid peace talks over the war in Ukraine.
Abramovich was seen meeting with Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan at the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul on Tuesday morning, according to Russia Today.
The Chelsea owner suffered the symptoms after a meeting in Kyiv earlier this month, sources close to the situation said on Monday.
Abramovich and at least two senior Ukrainian peace negotiators were said to have experienced symptoms of suspected poisoning, including red eyes, constant and painful tearing, and peeling skin on their faces and hands.
Russian-Israeli billionaire Abramovich and the others who fell ill have since recovered, with the 55-year-old continuing his efforts for peace in Ukraine.
Abramovich is understood to have been working to help set up humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of Ukrainians, amid the Russian invasion.
He has also been attempting to help bring representatives from other countries to the table for peace talks.
Abramovich, who put the Blues up for sale on 2 March, was sanctioned by the Government on March 10, with Downing Street claiming to have proven his links to Vladimir Putin.
The Stamford Bridge club must operate under strict Government licence, with Abramovich unable to profit from Chelsea’s sale.
Downing Street must approve another new licence to authorise Chelsea’s eventual sale, with the money either frozen or distributed to charitable funds to aid victims of the war in Ukraine.
Abramovich has pledged to write off Chelsea’s £1.5bn debt, and the bidding frenzy for the club could see the eventual deal hit £3bn.
Chelsea’s sale has reached the point where four bidding consortiums have made a shortlist, drawn up by the Raine Group, the New York merchant bank overseeing the process.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments