Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday March 27 that several Russian businessmen had offered to donate money to support the Ukrainian army.
During a videoconference interview with several Russian media, Volodymyr Zelensky said he had received “signals” from several Russian businessmen, including billionaire Roman Abramovich, a close associate of Vladimir Putin targeted by European Union sanctions. and the UK.
“We had signals from him and a few other businessmen, proposing: we can help in one way or another, we can do something,” he said.
The Ukrainian president also clarified that “some said they were ready to help rebuild the country after the war.” In particular by transferring their activities to Ukraine. In exchange, these businessmen ask not to appear on the lists of sanctioned oligarchs.
Volodymyr Zelensky then assured that whatever businessmen are ready to donate money to support the Ukrainian army, Ukraine is ready to “ensure their safety, provide them with work and allow their business to run smoothly. develop”.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the Ukrainian president would have asked Joe Biden not to sanction Roman Abramovich, believing that he could play a role in the peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Since the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine on February 24, the Russian oligarchs have been in the sights of the European authorities. They are thus targeted by economic sanctions, in the same way as Russian President Vladimir Putin.
