Purge the poison | 

Roman Abramovich and Ukrainian peace negotiators ‘victims of suspected poisoning’

The Russian oligarch and at least two senior members of the Ukrainian delegation developed symptoms that included red eyes and peeling skin on their faces and hands

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. Photo: Adam Davy/PA

Kieran Guilbert© Independent.co.uk

Roman Abramovich and Ukrainian peace negotiators suffered symptoms of suspected poisoning after a meeting in Kyiv at the start of March, according a report in the Wall Street Journal.

The Russian oligarch and at least two senior members of the Ukrainian delegation developed symptoms that included red eyes and peeling skin on their faces and hands, sources familiar with the matter said.

The Chelsea FC owner was among several Russian billionaires added to sanctions lists in recent weeks to try to isolate President Vladimir Putin over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich, who also holds Israeli and Portuguese citizenship, has denied having close ties to Putin.

Abramovich said earlier this month he was selling the London club, with Chelsea operating under a special government licence, and the Premier League board has disqualified him as a club director.

A number of consortiums have expressed an interest in purchasing the club.

More to follow…


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