WSJ learned about Zelensky's request not to impose US sanctions against Abramovich

The administration of US President Joe Biden has postponed sanctions against businessman Roman Abramovich at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources familiar with the situation. Abramovich can become an important mediator in the negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, the interlocutors of the publication explained.

The United States was preparing to impose sanctions against Abramovich in connection with the events in Ukraine simultaneously with the UK and the European Union, but at the last moment the US National Security Council instructed the US Treasury Department to refrain from imposing restrictive measures against the businessman, the newspaper writes.

It came after Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky called US President Joe Biden and advised him to wait for a decision on sanctions, as Abramovich could mediate a settlement between Moscow and Kyiv.

A spokeswoman for the US National Security Council refused to disclose details of the conversation between Biden and Zelensky, and the US Treasury did not respond to the newspaper's request.

The representative of the businessman did not comment on the issue of Abramovich's participation in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, noting that, as previously mentioned, "he is doing everything possible to support efforts aimed at the speedy restoration of peace," the newspaper writes.