The President of Ukraine suddenly asked Mr. Biden, the Russian billionaire to receive good news

According to information from the Wall Street Journal on March 23, the US Treasury Department earlier this month prepared to impose sanctions on the owner of the Chelsea football club, after the United Kingdom and the Union Europe had similar moves at the time.

However, the US National Security Council later asked the US Treasury Department to postpone the move, based on a request from President Zelensky in a phone call with President Biden. According to an unnamed official, the Ukrainian leadership believes that Abramovich, who has a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, can play an important role in negotiating peace between Kiev and Moscow.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House in 2021. Photo: AP

Spokesmen for the US National Security Council and the US Treasury Department declined to comment. State Department spokesman Ned Price also declined to comment specifically on the call, but said Biden was working to hold those involved in the conflict accountable.

The office of the president of Ukraine did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Abramovich’s representative said: “Mr Abramovich has been doing all he can to support efforts to restore peace as soon as possible.”

America’s decision to delay sanctions on billionaire Abramovich is an unexpected turning point in the West’s strategy of retaliation against Russia, after it launched a special military operation in Ukraine. Some British and European officials, which have imposed sanctions on the owner of the Chelsea club, say they are unaware of President Zelensky’s offer.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. Photo: UEFA

Billionaire Roman Abramovich, whose net worth is estimated at $1.7 billion according to Forbes magazine, is said to have actively helped Ukraine achieve a peaceful solution with Russia at the request of Kiev. He is the only Russian oligarch known for his role as a mediator between the two countries.

However, some Ukrainian and other Western government officials have expressed skepticism about Abramovich’s real role in the peace talks.

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