Labour MP Chris Bryant has pulled no punches towards Roman Abramovich after claiming the Chelsea owner’s involvement in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine is a “Russian lie.”
The 60-year-old, who represents Rhondda, previously called for Abramovich to be stripped of his Chelsea ownership amid ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Abramovich has denied any close ties to Putin, with the Chelsea owner giving “stewardship and care” of the club to the Blues’ charitable foundation.
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The 55-year-old Russian oligarch has reportedly stepped up in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine after being contacted by the Ukrainians.
“I can confirm Roman Abramovich was contacted by the Ukrainian side for support in achieving a peaceful resolution, and that he has been trying to help ever since,” a spokesperson for Abramovich said.
“Considering what is at stake, we would ask for understanding as to why we have not commented on either the situation as such or his involvement.”
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Bryant took to Twitter and launched another scathing attack on Abramovich, with the Labour MP questioning the billionaire Chelsea owner’s position.
He called for Abramovich to be “sanctioned” if he is close to Putin and if he has visited the Russian leader.
“This looks like another Russian lie in an attempt to avoid being sanctioned,” Bryant tweeted.
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“If he’s so close to Putin that he can wield such influence, if he’s visited Putin this last week, he should be sanctioned now.”
Chelsea last week released a statement calling the war in Ukraine “horrific and devastating,” but the club did not condemn Russia for the full-scale invasion.
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“The situation in Ukraine is horrific and devastating,” reads the statement.
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“Chelsea FC’s thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. Everyone at the club is praying for peace.”
Chelsea’s aforementioned statement was met with fierce backlash from fans for no mention of Russia or holding them to account over their hostile war with Ukraine.
Topics: Chelsea, Premier League, England, Football, Ukraine, Russia
Adnan Riaz