Roman Abramovich and at least two members of the Ukrainian delegation engaged in negotiations with Russia suffered symptoms of poisoning after a meeting in Kiev earlier this month. The website of the Wall Street Journal reports it, citing redness of the eyes, constant and painful tearing and peeling on the face and hands among the symptoms. Their conditions have now improved and they are not life threatening. A spokesperson for the Russian tycoon confirmed the news.
The causes of the symptoms are unclear, but according to the US newspaper, the victims blame the Moscow hawks, eager to sabotage the peace negotiations. Western experts examined the incident, concluding that it is difficult to determine whether the symptoms were caused by chemical, biological agents or by some type of attack with electromagnetic radiation.
Abramovich at the beginning of the conflict was indicated by the Ukrainians as a possible mediator in the difficult negotiations with the Russians and would have participated in some meetings between the Moscow and Kie negotiators, including the one in which the suspected poisoning took place.
Abramovich is one of the seven Russian oligarchs targeted by the new sanctions announced by the British government on 10 March. All of the billionaire’s assets in Britain, where he resides, have been frozen and he has become persona non grata, losing the right to enter the country.
In recent days Solaris, the Russian billionaire’s luxury yacht, was spotted off the port of Bodrum, Turkey. European governments have begun to seize the assets of Russian oligarchs, including those of the 55-year-old Chelsea owner, as part of sanctions against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A group of Ukrainian activists contested the arrival of Solaris in the Turkish seaside resort on board a dinghy.