Abramovich visited Kyiv in May to meet with Zelensky and delivered message to Putin

Russian businessman Roman Abramovich visited Kyiv in May 2026 and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Financial Times citing four sources, Abramovich conveyed to Putin Zelensky's proposal for a meeting between the two leaders.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich visited Kyiv in May 2026 and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to Financial Times citing four informed sources. During the meeting, Zelensky asked Abramovich to convey to Vladimir Putin a proposal for a private meeting between the two leaders.

Abramovich is known from previous experience as one of the few Russians who has maintained access to both sides. During the 2022 negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, he played the role of intermediary, and for this reason he is considered one of the rare channels through which it is possible to deliver messages to Moscow. One source described him in the following words: "He is the only Russian whom Kyiv is willing to tolerate."

Peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have become more intense in recent months, but no substantive breakthrough has been achieved. The use of intermediaries has become an important way for both sides to test the other side's mood without public commitment. Abramovich's role in such a process is significant, given his previous experience in diplomatic backchannels.