A source close to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has confirmed the oligarch suffered "red eyes, painful tearing and skin peeling" after being poisoned.
Abramovich was allegedly attacked at peace talks between representatives of Ukraine and Russia earlier this month. The two eastern European nations have been embroiled in a bloody war since Vladimir Putin ordered his troops to invade Ukraine in February.
Reports claim Abramovich asked scientists examining him if he was "going to die" following the incident in Kyiv, Ukraine. It's believed he may have been poisoned by a First World War chemical agent named Chloropicrin or a low dosage of Novichok.
The finer details of the suspected attack remain unclear, but an anonymous source has told Forbes Abramovich and two negotiators suffered "red eyes, constant and painful tearing, and peeling skin on their faces and hands" following the poisoning.
It's unknown who was responsible for the incident, yet it's being blamed on hard-liners in Moscow. Forbes' source was unwilling to theorise on who ordered the attack, why it happened or what chemical weapon was used. Abramovich was not seriously injured.
Photographic evidence showed Abramovich at recent peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey on Tuesday. It's believed his role at the peace talks is to "establish a line of communication" between Putin and the Ukrainian governments, acting as an independent voice.
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Abramovich is also thought to have been "establishing corridors and evacuations" but has not been involved in policy on either side. He is believed to have been involved in the peace process since the early stages of the widescale invasion in 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 spokesperson said recently.
"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."
The oligarch is said to know Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky through his work in the Jewish community across culture and arts. His relationship with Zelensky is rumoured to be one of the reasons why he is yet to be sanctioned by the US.
But Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK and EU. Boris Johnson's government insists the Chelsea chief has ties to Putin's regime, something he denies. The Blues are operating under a special license due to the sanctions, limiting their revenue streams.
Abramovich's relationship with Putin remains unclear. Forbes was recently told "no one" has access to the president, suggesting he is isolated from accurate information. Putin suggested Ukraine needed to be "denazified" - despite Zelensky being Jewish.
Chelsea are up for sale as a result of the sanctions imposed on Abramovich. There are believed to be four prospective buyers, who have until April 11 to submit their final bids.
Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca, Chicago Cubs owners the Ricketts family, former Liverpool chairman Sir Martin Broughton and LA Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly are the four bidders remaining in the race.
Chelsea are currently third in the Premier League. They're still in the hunt to win the Champions League and FA Cup, having already lifted the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup. They also reached the final of the EFL Cup, losing to Liverpool in February's final.
