Ukraine President Vlodymyr Zelensky reportedly personally asked Joe Biden to delay sanctions to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, viewing the oligarch as a potentially crucial go-between in peace talks with Russia.
Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government two weeks ago, shortly after putting the club up for sale. The decision to freeze his assets meant that Chelsea could not carry out any business that sees money move into the club, including via ticket sales. A special licence was granted to continue paying staff and playing matches, however.
The hunt for a new owner has continued, although no money from the sale will be allowed to go to Abramovich, who the government say has had a relationship with Vladimir Putin for decades, something he has always denied.
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The European Union have also moved to sanction Abramovich but US President Biden is yet to take such a step himself. While plans were in place to follow suit, the USA decided to delay the punishment, reportedly following a personal request from Zelensky.
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Zelensky was eager to keep Abramovich on side, viewing him as a potentially influential figure in peace talks to end the war in his country. Abramovich has previously been reported to be open to such a position and, prior to the sanctions, also stated that any funds raised from the sale of Chelsea would go towards victims of the war.
Zelensky called Biden in order to express his wishes in relation to the planned sanctions, according to the report. “We are not going to read out private conversations between President Biden and President Zelensky,” Emily Horne, a spokeswoman for the White House’s National Security Council told The Wall Street Journal.
Abramovich was also approached for comment, with a spokesperson replying: “For the negotiations, and in the interest of them succeeding, it is not helpful commenting on the process nor on Mr. Abramovich’s involvement. As previously stated, based on requests, including from Jewish organizations in Ukraine, he has been doing all he can to support efforts aimed at restoring peace as soon as possible.”
