---
title: "Zelensky on Abramovich's role in negotiations: 'It depends on Putin'"
description: "Zelensky stated that Abramovich could become an intermediary in negotiations, but it depends on Putin. The oligarch has already visited Kyiv and promised to provide feedback to Moscow. 🇺🇦🇷🇺"
date: 2026-06-16T14:14:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/zelensky-on-abramovichs-role-in-negotiations-it-depends-on-putin
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Zelensky on Abramovich's role in negotiations: 'It depends on Putin'

![Roman Abramovich at official negotiations related to his role in peace processes](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/16/zelenyj-o-rol-abramovicha-v-peregovorah-eto-zavisit-ot-putina/zelenyj-o-rol-abramovicha-v-peregovorah-eto-zavisit-ot-putina-1.webp)

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich could become a key intermediary in negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, but the final decision rests with Vladimir Putin. This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a speech at the Reuters Next summit.

### Dialogue in Kyiv

In response to journalists' questions about the possible role of the oligarch in the peace process, the Ukrainian leader emphasized that the head of the Kremlin "already has his own decisions in mind." Zelensky noted that during Abramovich's visit to Kyiv, there was a "very specific and substantive dialogue." According to the President, the Russian businessman "100%" understood Ukraine's position.

After the meeting, Abramovich promised to return to Moscow and provide feedback to the country's leadership. However, Zelensky clarified that the possibility of his participation as an intermediary depends entirely on Putin's will. "Every country must decide for itself who will represent it at the technical level or at the level of national security advisors," the head of the Ukrainian state emphasized.

### Initiative from Moscow

Earlier, Vladimir Putin, responding to Zelensky's letter, stated that Ukraine had "invited a representative of Russian business circles to negotiations in Kyiv." Later, it became known that the person in question was indeed Roman Abramovich. As Zelensky later explained, the oligarch came to the Ukrainian capital with a message from Moscow and requested that the meeting take place quietly.

Sources from RBK-Ukraine confirmed that Abramovich's visit to Kyiv was initiated by the Russian side. This indicates that Moscow is considering the possibility of using informal channels to advance its interests in negotiations with Ukraine.

### Prospects for Mediation

Although Abramovich possesses significant influence and connections, his role in future negotiations will depend on how willing the Kremlin is to delegate authority to a private individual. Zelensky did not rule out such a possibility but emphasized that the final decision remains with Putin.

Thus, the question of whether Abramovich will become an official intermediary remains open. However, the very fact of his visit to Kyiv and the subsequent promise to convey information to Moscow indicates that the Russian side is considering the possibility of using informal channels to advance its interests in negotiations with Ukraine.