The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has commented on the circumstances surrounding Russian businessman Roman Abramovich's May visit to Kyiv. Official MFA spokesperson Georgiy Tikhyy, during a briefing, answered journalists' questions regarding how the trip was organized and who was involved in the negotiations.
Travel Details: Not by Plane
Journalists were interested in who organized the visit, what mode of transport the oligarch used, and who he met with besides the country's president. The representative of the foreign policy department avoided revealing specific details of the organization but confirmed a key fact: Abramovich arrived in the Ukrainian capital via ground transport.
"As for the specific details of organizing Abramovich's visit, well, I won't surprise you with anything interesting here. And what difference does it make? Does it matter how he traveled—by train, car, or otherwise? Well, we can say for sure that he did not fly by plane, which, I think, is obvious," stated Georgiy Tikhyy.
Visit Goal: Peace Initiatives
The MFA reminded that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already spoken frankly about the contact with the Russian oligarch. Tikhyy emphasized that the country's leadership is using every opportunity to advance the peace process.
"I can simply say that the President of Ukraine is using every, even the slightest, opportunity to bring peace closer. If there is an opportunity to move peace efforts forward in some way, the President of Ukraine will use it," added the department's spokesperson.
Meeting Context and Financial Issues
Recall that in May 2026, Roman Abramovich came to Kyiv to personally clarify Ukraine's position regarding the end of the war. In an interview with Sky News, Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the fact of the meeting and clarified that the visit was initiated by the Russian side. The oligarch delivered a message from Vladimir Putin.
Separately, it is worth noting the financial aspect associated with Abramovich's name. Previously, Zelenskyy raised the issue of funds from the sale of the football club "Chelsea," owned by the Russian businessman, during negotiations with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London. The British government reserved £2.4 billion from this deal for Ukraine's humanitarian needs, however, the funds have not yet been transferred to the Kyiv side.