Why Zelensky Prevented Sanctions Against Chelsea Owner Abramovich in the US

Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich
[Photo by Reuters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Roman Abramovich, the most famous Russian oligarch and owner of Chelsea Football Club, was reportedly not included in the U.S. sanctions list due to a request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

On the 23rd (local time), the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing sources, reported that the U.S. Treasury Department had prepared a sanctions proposal against Abramovich earlier this month, but the White House National Security Council (NSC) halted its announcement.

The reason for the NSC's intervention was that President Zelensky asked U.S. President Joe Biden to delay sanctions against Abramovich. Zelensky reportedly viewed Abramovich as a potential mediator for a ceasefire agreement with Russia and requested his cooperation.

Abramovich is classified as a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin. His assets are spread across the UK, Europe, and the United States. While the U.S. did not include him on the sanctions list, the UK and the European Union (EU) announced sanctions against him, resulting in some of his assets being frozen.

Regarding Abramovich's role, both the U.S. and Ukrainian governments have refrained from commenting, WSJ reported. However, WSJ introduced information suggesting that Abramovich is connecting Putin’s close associates to the Ukrainian government. Additionally, sources reported that he has indicated to acquaintances his intention to succeed in peace negotiations.

Nevertheless, within the U.S. government, there is a prevailing view that he will not play a significant role in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. In fact, after acquiring Chelsea, Abramovich repeatedly denied in various media interviews that he had a special relationship with Putin. In 2010, he also denied U.S. claims that he had close economic ties with President Putin.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.