Roman Abramovich has endured peeling skin and constant, painful crying after falling victim of a suspected poisoning during peace talks between Russia and Ukraine earlier this month, according to reports.
The Chelsea owner, 55, played a part in initial negotiations between the two countries, who have been at war since Vladimir Putin ordered his troops into Ukraine in late February. A spokesperson for Abramovich confirmed he was working towards "achieving a peaceful solution" and his role in talks was later confirmed by the Kremlin.
The oligarch's mother, Irina, was born in Ukraine and his daughter, Sofia, has railed against Putin on social media for his invasion of the neighbouring country. In a shocking revelation on Monday, it emerged Abramovich and at least two senior negotiators on the Ukrainian side were on the receiving end of a suspected poisoning earlier in March after meeting in Kyiv.
According to the Wall Street Journal, those affected have been suffering with painful, constant tearing from red eyes as well as peeling skin on their faces and hands, although their lives are not in danger. The report adds the suspected attack has been blamed on hard-liners in Moscow who wanted to foil talks to end the war. Further, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has not been affected despite meeting with Abramovich.
It remains unclear what has caused the symptoms, which may have been triggered by a chemical or biological agent, or a form of electromagnetic-radiation attack. An investigation into the incident was launched by Christo Grozev and a German forensic team was brought in to perform examinations. However, too much time passed between the initial poisoning and these tests, so the suspected poison was unable to be detected. Grozev concluded that the attack was a warning rather than an attempt to kill negotiators.
Abramovich - who took over at Stamford Bridge in 2003 - is said to have travelled back and forth from Moscow, Lviv and other negotiating venues as part of his role in talks, which his spokesperson confirmed on 28 February. "I can confirm that Roman Abramovich was contacted by the Ukrainian side for support in achieving a peaceful resolution, and that he has been trying to help ever since," a statement read. "Considering what is at stake, we would ask for your understanding as to why we have not commented on neither the situation as such nor his involvement. Thank you."
Despite taking part in peace talks, Abramovich was sanctioned by the government in March, resulting in the freezing of his assets in the United Kingdom. Chelsea have been allowed to continue football-related operations and the sale of the club is proceeding with the shortlist of potential buyers recently whittled down.
