Abramovich Shows Signs of Intoxication During Private Peace Talks
Ukraine Counterattacks in Kyiv, Russia Strengthens Mariupol Offensive
Russia to Implement Entry Restrictions on "Unfriendly Countries"... Retaliatory Sanctions
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Roman Abramovich, the Russian oligarch who has been leading peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, was recently reported to have experienced symptoms of poisoning during a private negotiation. Concerns are rising that the possibility of a poison attack carried out by hardliners within Russia ahead of the 5th round of peace talks between the two countries could negatively impact the peace negotiations.
Separately from the peace talks, fighting between the two countries continues, with Ukrainian forces expanding the reclaimed areas near the capital Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russia is believed to have effectively taken control of Mariupol, a strategic stronghold in southeastern Ukraine.
On the 28th (local time), the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing sources, reported that "during a private peace meeting held on the 3rd in Kyiv, Abramovich and at least two senior representatives of the Ukrainian negotiation team showed symptoms of poisoning, including bloodshot eyes accompanied by pain and tears, and skin peeling from their faces and hands." Abramovich, known as the owner of the English Premier League (EPL) team Chelsea, is known to have a mother born in Ukraine and has been mediating peace talks between the two countries since the outbreak of the war.
He reportedly lost his eyesight for several hours at the time but was not in life-threatening condition. He was immediately evacuated to Istanbul, Turkey, where he received treatment and his condition improved. Various theories have been raised regarding biochemical weapons or electromagnetic radiation attacks, but the exact cause has not been determined.
However, WSJ suggested the possibility that hardliners within Russia who oppose the peace talks carried out this poisoning attack as a warning measure behind the scenes. Kristo Grozev, the chief investigator of Bellingcat, a European investigative media outlet that investigated the poisoning of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny in 2020, explained, "This attack was intended as a warning rather than an assassination attempt."
As peace talks approach, fighting between Russia and Ukraine is intensifying. The Ukrainian military announced that it had additionally reclaimed Irpin city near Kyiv on this day. Oleksandr Markushyn, mayor of Irpin, emphasized via Telegram, "There is good news today. Irpin has been liberated," adding, "The Ukrainian military will also work to liberate other cities near Kyiv such as Bucha, Hostomel, and Borzel."
Russia, under pressure, is concentrating on southeastern Ukraine. Vadym Boychenko, mayor of Mariupol, appeared on CNN and stated, "Most of the Mariupol area is under Russian military control." Mariupol is a strategic stronghold connecting the southern Crimean Peninsula and the eastern Donbas region.
Meanwhile, the Russian government announced plans to impose entry restrictions on nationals from unfriendly countries. According to Russian news agency TASS, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended the International Cooperation and Overseas Compatriot Support Committee of the ruling United Russia party and said, "In response to many unfriendly actions by foreign countries, entry restrictions are being prepared by presidential decree." As a result, it is expected that nationals from 47 countries, including the United States, the 27 EU countries, South Korea, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, and Taiwan, which have joined sanctions against Russia, will face restrictions on entering Russia.
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