Lauge Risom Koch 
Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich met him in Kyiv and delivered a message linked to Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich met him in Kyiv and acted as an intermediary carrying messages connected to Vladimir Putin.
In an interview with Sky News, Zelensky described the conversation and outlined the conditions he said Ukraine was prepared to discuss in any future negotiations with Moscow.
Secret approach
According to RMF24, citing Sky News, Abramovich arrived in Kyiv claiming he had a direct message from the Russian president.
“He arrived in Kyiv and said: ‘I have a direct message for you, and I want to receive a message from you and convey it to Putin.’ He also said that this must be done quietly, without informing the public,” Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian president explained that Abramovich sought to determine Kyiv’s position and whether a compromise with Russia was possible.
The meeting reportedly took place last month.
Ukraine’s response
Zelensky said he used the opportunity to deliver a clear message regarding Ukraine’s conditions.
According to the Ukrainian leader, he told Abramovich that any path toward an agreement would have to begin with a ceasefire.
He also rejected any suggestion that Ukraine would surrender occupied territory.
“That was the key message. I said we wouldn’t walk away, we wouldn’t give them such a victory,” Zelensky said.
Direct talks offered
The Ukrainian president added that he remains open to meeting Putin directly.
According to RMF24, Zelensky said he was willing to hold talks in various formats, including bilateral discussions or meetings involving the United States and European partners.
“I have always tried to involve Europe as much as possible,” he said.
He also described a ceasefire as a major concession on Ukraine’s part.
“A ceasefire on our part is the greatest compromise,” Zelensky said.
Mediator role
According to RMF24, citing previous reporting by the Financial Times, Abramovich has attempted to play an informal mediation role since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The Russian oligarch, who built his fortune in the commodities sector and formerly owned Chelsea Football Club, was sanctioned by the United Kingdom and the European Union following the invasion of Ukraine.
Zelensky made the remarks during a visit to the United Kingdom, where he was scheduled to meet King Charles III, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Sources: RMF24, Sky News, Financial Times
