Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who is trying to mediate between Moscow and kyiv to end the war in Ukraine, has suffered from symptoms that suggest possible poisoning, a source close to the government told AFP on Monday (May 28). file, confirming information from the Wall Street Journal.

After a meeting in the Ukrainian capital in March, the billionaire owner of English football club Chelsea and at least two senior members of the Ukrainian negotiating team "developed symptoms", the American newspaper wrote, citing " people aware of this situation".

Red and watery eyes, peeling face and hands: these symptoms then improved "and their lives are not in danger", he added.

"Unfortunately, what the Wall Street Journal reported has taken place, and (Mr. Abramovich) is fine. He continues to be active in the negotiations," a source familiar with the matter in London confirmed to AFP.

hard line

The sources of the American daily evoked a possible poisoning, and suspected the partisans of a hard line in Moscow who according to them want to sabotage the talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

A relative of Roman Abramovich said he was not sure of the identity of those who allegedly targeted the group, said the Wall Street Journal, also saying that Western experts could not determine the cause of the symptoms.

"There is a lot of speculation about the news in the media today. We recommend following only the official news," said Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak, saying the negotiations were taking place "as usual." habit".

According to the investigation site Bellingcat, "the three men had only consumed chocolate and water in the hours before the onset of symptoms".

Bellingcat said on Twitter that "experts have reported that the dosage and type of poison used was likely insufficient to endanger lives, and was likely used to scare victims."

Mediation

Roman Abramovich, seen as close to Russian President Vladimir Putin and already targeted by EU and UK sanctions in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has started shuttling between Moscow and the Ukraine as part of a mediation to end the conflict.

The Wall Street Journal revealed last week that the Ukrainian president had asked his American counterpart Joe Biden not to sanction Roman Abramovich, arguing that he could play a role in peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

And in fact, the billionaire does not appear at this stage on the list of oligarchs sanctioned by Washington, yet extended several times and again last Thursday.

With AFP

The summary of the

France 24 week invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you!

Download the France 24 app

google-play-badge_FR