Erdogan says oligarch Abramovich was part of Russian delegation at Istanbul talks -media

Reuters: Turkey said on Thursday that Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who is under sanctions by European countries for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, was part of the Russian delegation at peace talks in Istanbul this week and is "sincerely" working to end the war. .

Abramovich unexpectedly appeared at the talks on Tuesday in Istanbul. However, the video showed that he was sitting among observers, and not with two negotiating groups.

Speaking to reporters during a flight from Uzbekistan, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that Abramovich's presence indicates that Russian President Vladimir Putin "believes, trusts him," according to NTV and others.

"Abramovich participated in the negotiations as part of the Russian delegation. Instead of looking at who was sitting at the table, we should look at on whose behalf they were there," he said.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told A Haber television that Abramovich has been in touch between Kiev and Moscow since the invasion on February 24 and is "sincerely" working to end hostilities.

"Of course, official negotiations are important, negotiations are important, but public opinion is sensitive, everyone wants to maintain their position, and there are channels that need to be kept open between leaders and countries. Abramovich plays a useful role here," he said. said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Abramovich was not an official member of the Russian delegation, but acknowledged his presence to "ensure certain contacts."

A member of the NATO military alliance, Turkey has a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea, has good ties with both sides and has offered mediation. He supports Kiev, but also opposes sanctions against Moscow, including measures against Abramovich and other Russian billionaires.

Abramovich tried to sell his English football club Chelsea, and the British government snatched this process out of his hands when it blacklisted him.

Related superyachts with a total value of about $1.2 billion have been moored in Bodrum and Marmaris in southwestern Turkey since last week. Sources said that he and other wealthy Russians wanted to invest in Turkey, given the sanctions in other countries.