Roman Abramovich suffered symptoms consistent with poisoning after attending peace talks in Ukraine, according to sources close to the Chelsea FC owner.
The Russian oligarch, who is involved in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, is understood – along with at least two Ukrainian negotiators – to have developed red eyes, constant and painful tearing, and peeling skin on their faces and hands since the meeting at the start of the month, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
Sources told the PA news agency Mr Abramovich had now recovered and was continuing to try to help with the negotiations. A source close to the oligarch confirmed he suffered symptoms of suspected poisoning, the BBC reported on Monday evening.
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 WSJ reported that it was believed the suspected attack had been orchestrated by hardliners in Russia who wanted to sabotage the talks.
Bellingcat can confirm that three members of the delegation attending the peace talks between Ukraine and Russia on the night of 3 to 4 March 2022 experienced symptoms consistent with poisoning with chemical weapons. One of victims was Russian entrepreneur Roman Abramovich. https://t.co/DJaZ4CoL8J
— Bellingcat (@bellingcat) March 28, 2022
The WSJ said Mr Abramovich met President Volodymyr Zelensky on the trip, but the Ukrainian leader was not affected and his spokesman had no information about the alleged incident.
Asked about the suspected poisoning reports, Ukrainian negotiator Mykhailo Podolyak said “there is a lot of speculation, various conspiracy theories”. Rustem Umerov, another member of the negotiating team, urged people not to trust “unverified information”.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in an interview on national television that “everyone is thirsty for news and sensations”. However, he also added wryly: “I advise anyone going for negotiations with Russia not to eat or drink anything, (and) preferably avoid touching surfaces”.
A US official told Reuters intelligence suggested an “environmental” reason for the sickening of Abramovich and the negotiators. The official spoke on condition of anonymity and did not elaborate further.
The Kremlin did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.
A spokesman for Mr Aabramovich 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.
