Roman Abramovich has been pictured in Istanbul for the first time since he was reportedly a victim of ‘chemical warfare’ poisoning.
The Russian billionaire has been thrust into the spotlight due to his homeland's invasion of Ukraine and his alleged links to Vladimir Putin. Abramovich himself was involved in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. He is now in Istanbul and was captured on Russia television speaking to a woman, who stepped back when she realised Abramovich was being filming, before he too turned his back.
The alleged attack has been attributed to Russian agents who wanted to disrupt the discussions, as reported by the Wall Street Journal . Abramovich's symptoms were said to include "red eyes, constant and painful tearing, and peeling skin on their faces and hands." The coverage of him in the Turkish city show him with a slight red complexion in his eyes.
Abramovich wasn't the only man to be infected with Ukrainian politician Rustem Umerov also an alleged victim. The Russian has been spotted close to the border between Belarus and Ukraine, with his private jets constantly moving between Russia, Belarus and Turkey as he plays his part in peace discussions.
A spokesperson for the outgoing Chelsea owner has previously said: “I can confirm that Roman Abramovich was contacted by the Ukrainian side for support in achieving a peaceful resolution, and that he has been trying to help ever since. Considering what is at stake, we would ask for your understanding as to why we have not commented on neither the situation as such nor his involvement. Thank you.”
Abramovich's symptoms are believed to have started after a meeting in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. It was claimed just prior to the symptoms developing Abramovich and three delegates had eaten some chocolate and drank water. One member of the four experienced no adverse effects, however.
It has been claimed that Western investigators analysed the incident and cannot determine whether it was a chemical or biological agent or some electromagnetic-radiation attack. However it was revealed the symptoms suffered by Abramovich are most consistent with chemical poisoning.
The Chelsea owner was sanctioned by the UK Government on March 10 after he was described as a "pro-Kremlin oligarch" who had has a "close relationship" with Putin. They also claimed the Russian "financially benefitted" and enjoyed "preferential treatment" from that relationship.
Chelsea's sale is being handled by New York investment bank Raine Group with several suitors from the UK and America expressing interest in the west London outfit. Lord Coe is among those leading a consortium with LA Dodgers owner Todd Boehly also in the running.
