The Russian oligarch, who was allegedly poisoned while taking part in previous talks, was seen standing in the background as the Turkish president greeted delegations from Ukraine and Russia. Putin’s forces “repulsed from Kyiv” – live updates Image: FCDO describes reports of suspected poisoning as “very worrying” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the goals of the talks, which Ukrainian television said had begun, were to establish a ceasefire as soon as possible. Previous talks have failed to make progress in ending a month-long war that has left thousands dead and forced more than 10 million Ukrainians to flee their homes. Read more: How involved is Roman Abramovich in peace talks? Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 Ukraine’s foreign minister advises any Ukrainian negotiator in talks with Russia not to eat, drink or touch anything fearing poisoning The billionaire was seen this morning with the two delegations wearing a suit and translation headphones. Abramovich received sanctions from the United Kingdom earlier this month as part of the West’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine over his alleged close ties to Vladimir Putin, which he denies. “Very worrying” reports of poisoning Image: Roman Abramovich (L) reportedly has strong ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) Three men, including Mr Abramovich, suffered symptoms such as red eyes, constant tearing and peeling skin, a source confirmed to Sky News after a meeting on Ukrainian soil on March 3. The Bureau of Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development (FCDO) described the reports as “very worrying”. Although the Bellingcat research site said the symptoms were “according to chemical weapons poisoning,” a U.S. official said the information “suggests” that the cause was environmental. The Kremlin said the allegations had “nothing to do with reality” and were part of an “information war”. Bellingcat can confirm that three members of the delegation that took part in the peace talks between Ukraine and Russia on the night of March 3 to 4, 2022, showed symptoms consistent with chemical weapons poisoning. One of the victims was Russian businessman Roman Abramovich. https://t.co/DJaZ4CoL8J – Bellingcat (@bellingcat) March 28, 2022 Mr Abramovich has since appeared in public after a suspected poisoning and was photographed at Tel Aviv Airport in Israel on March 14. Delegations to the peace talks are scheduled to hold two-day talks. The Kremlin has previously said that the owner of Chelsea played an early role in the peace talks, but the process is now in the hands of the negotiating teams on both sides. It is understood that he had taken part in talks on securing humanitarian corridors to allow Ukrainians to leave as well as bring other countries to the negotiating table. Ahead of the talks, the Ukrainian president said his country was ready to declare its neutrality, as requested by Moscow, in comments that could boost negotiations.
