LONDON: Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, in an odd twist, has reportedly been asked to intervene between Ukraine and Russia after the latter’s invasion of its neighbour.

A spokesman for the Russian billionaire said Abramovich had been contacted by Ukrainian officials and “has been trying to help ever since”. Ukraine has called for a ceasefire before peace talks in Belarus.

Abramovich announced on Saturday that “stewardship and care” of the club was being given to trustees of Chelsea’s charitable foundation. The 55-year-old did not reference Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in his statement.

Alexander Rodnyansky, a Ukrainian film director and producer, confirmed the Chelsea owner’s involvement in attempts to reach a peaceful resolution.

He said: “I can confirm that the Ukrainian side have been trying to find someone in Russia willing to help them in finding a peaceful resolution.

“They are connected to Roman Abramovich through the Jewish community and reached out to him for help. Abramovich has been trying to mobilize support for a peaceful resolution ever since.

“Although Abramovich’s influence is limited, he is the only one who responded and taken it upon himself to try.

“If this will have an impact or not, I don’t know, but I am in contact with [Ukraine President Volodymyr] Zelensky’s staff myself, and know that they are grateful for his genuine efforts.”

It is not known yet if Abramovich will be sanctioned as part of the UK government’s measures against Russia, and the trustees of Chelsea’s charitable foundation have yet to accept his transfer of supervision.

Members of the charitable foundation met on Sunday to discuss the situation, but some have concerns over whether Charity Commission rules would allow them to run the club and the foundation’s lawyers are exploring what can be done.

** German second division club Schalke has cancelled its partnership with long-time main sponsor Gazprom.

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