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Abramovich is engaged in contacts between Moscow, Kiev by decision of both sides — Kremlin

Earlier, Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the businessman participated in the initial phase of talks with Ukraine

MOSCOW, March 29. /TASS/. Businessman Roman Abramovich isn’t an official member of the Russian delegation at the talks in Istanbul, but he’s engaged in arranging contacts between Moscow and Kiev, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Both sides have approved his involvement, Peskov said.

"Roman Abramovich is involved in ensuring certain contacts between the Russian and Ukrainian sides," the spokesman said. "He’s not an official member of the delegation."

"But nevertheless, he’s also present today in Istanbul from our side," Peskov went on to say.

When asked which side made the decision to involve Abramovich in the negotiations, Peskov said: "In order to make contacts between the two sides, it’s necessary, accordingly, to obtain approval from both sides."

"And in the case of Abramovich, we have approval from both sides," he said.

Russian-Ukrainian talks kicked off on February 28, with several rounds taking place in Belarus. The negotiators then continued to talk via a video link. The latest in-person round occurred in Istanbul on March 29. Peskov earlier said that Abramovich participated in the initial phase of talks with Ukraine.

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