Zelensky urges Biden not to sanction Abramovich in Russia-Ukraine conflict

According to the Mirror, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has encouraged US President Joe Biden not to impose penalties on Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich because he may be a beneficial conduit in peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Due of his suspected links to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the UK government has placed stringent penalties on Abramovich, including the seizure of Chelsea.

However, following a call from Zelensky after his conversation with Ukraine’s president on a range of measures, including plans for the Russian billionaire, Biden has resisted temptation to target Abramovich.

In contrast to the US, Abramovich has responded to a request from Zelensky’s advisers to assist broker peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, a situation that has resulted in the UK government seizing his British properties, including Chelsea.

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The White House is said to have convinced the US Treasury Department not to go forward with preparations to target Abramovich and his enterprises, according to the article.

The development explains why Abramovich has escaped US sanctions despite travel restrictions and asset freezes imposed by the United Kingdom and the European Union on the 55-year-old.