Roman Abramovich seems quite comfortable with his balancing act. In the photos we see him smiling, shirt open, in the same relaxed style he wears on the soccer field grounds or at the opening of contemporary art fairs he funds.
And despite the accusations leveled against Russia of committing massacres, especially in the areas north of Kyiv, the Ukrainian president affirmed his readiness to negotiate with Moscow, “The only option” Possible for Ukraine. On Monday, April 4, Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree to reorganize his delegation around Parliamentary Representative and Presidential Adviser David Arakhamia, who was previously No. 2. On the Russian side, the faces are also well known. In the middle, the inevitable Abramovich intervenes.
It is expected again that when delegations meet face to face, he shall perform his usual role, more sensitive than ever: “facilitator”, That is, he is supposed to be at equal distance from the two delegations, a peace-serving mediator who does not forget to think about his own interests – and his many interests.
Who is trading the oligarch Abramovich? The question has been on everyone’s lips since he was seen in Istanbul on March 29 during previous negotiations, silent as usual. However, his participation is older. As of February 23, according to our information, he was contacted by Ukrainian film producer Alexander Rodnyansky, whose son Alexander Rodnyansky Jr. was advising President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Abramovich, at least, speaks without fear.
My friends in Kyiv felt that the Russian negotiators had not properly conveyed their messages to the Kremlin. They were looking for someone more reliable, from a business background,” He is acquainted by phone with Rodnyansky’s father, who produced the first emissions of actor Volodymyr Zelensky, in the 1990s, which financed several films by Roman Abramovich. The only entrepreneur who responded positively to his calls. “When I told him that war broke out in the early morning of February 24th, Roman was devastated. He immediately engaged, The producer who attributes his friend’s influence to Vladimir Putin asserts: Roman always told me: No one can influence the course of things, be he a minister or a businessman. »
According to Rodnyansky, the role of Abramovich will be limited to the role of a modest messenger: It seems that all the politicians in the Kremlin are afraid to tell Putin the truth. Roman is the person most able to give him the right information openly and honestly. He, at least, speaks without fear. »
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