Topline
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked President Joe Biden to delay imposing sanctions on the Russian billionaire oligarch Roman Abramovich so he could act as a mediator between Moscow and Kyiv, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, though he does not appear to have yet been an effective middleman.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly asked President Joe Biden to delay imposing … [+]
Key Facts
The U.S. Treasury Department initially prepared to impose penalties on Abramovich early in March, to be announced with sanctions from the United Kingdom and the European Union, but was told by the White House National Security Council to pause, the Journal reported.
As the Treasury was preparing penalties, Biden and Zelensky spoke over the phone about the scope of sanctions on Russia and penalties aimed at Abramovich, the Journal said, citing people familiar with the call, though other British and European leaders told the Journal they were unaware of the conversation or Zelensky’s request.
The U.S. has yet to sanction Abramovich, despite sanctions levied against more than 20 Russian billionaires by the U.S., EU or the U.K.
Despite the apparent request, Abramovich has not been very effective at facilitating peace talks, the Journal said.
As part of penalties targeting President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle, the U.K., the EU, Canada, Australia and Switzerland have imposed sanctions, such as asset freezes and travel restrictions, on Abramovich, who the British government described as a close ally of Putin.
Forbes has reached out to the White House’s National Security Council, which told the Journal it would not provide a readout of the call between the world leaders; an Abramovich spokesperson did not elaborate on Abramovich’s involvement and repeated a previous statement that Abramovich was involved upon requests.
Key Background
A spokeswoman for Abramovich said late last month that he was involved in helping Ukraine achieve a peaceful resolution with Russia upon Ukraine’s request. Abramovich was in Belarus in late February when a round of talks between Russia and Ukraine took place. Alexander Rodnyansky, the father of one of Zelensky’s aides, said Abramovich had limited influence over Putin, but was involved because he was the only Russian who accepted Ukraine’s request for help, the Financial Times reported. He is the only oligarch known to be acting as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine.
Big Number
$7.1 billion. That’s Abramovich’s estimated net worth as of Wednesday, according to Forbes. Abramovich is the world’s No.142 richest person thanks to his stakes in steel giant Evraz, metals firm Norilsk Nickel and English soccer team Chelsea FC. He said earlier in the month that he was selling Chelsea FC. He also holds Israeli and Portuguese passports. His real estate holdings outside Russia total more than $500 million, including Kensington Palace Gardens in London, and he owns several jets, yachts and a helicopter.
Further Reading
What Is An Oligarch? Here’s What You Need To Know About Russia’s Billionaires (Forbes)
Tracker: In-Depth Look At 23 Russian Billionaires Hit By Sanctions (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisakim/2022/03/23/zelensky-asked-biden-to-not-sanction-billionaire-oligarch-abramovich-report-says/