President Volodymyr Zelensky says he met with Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich in Kyiv in May and used him as an informal channel to Vladimir Putin. Multiple outlets report that Zelensky confirmed Abramovich was invited to Ukraine last month and that he carried messages to the Kremlin. According to Zelensky’s statements as reported, the communications included a proposal aimed at peace efforts and a request for direct talks between Ukraine and Russia. The reports also state that Zelensky told Putin, through Abramovich, that Ukraine will not surrender its eastern Donbas region and rejects any territorial concessions there. Several sources describe Abramovich as a potential surprise messenger because of his ties and perceived loyalty to the Kremlin, but they also note that he has previously been involved in go-between efforts since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The accounts characterize the initiative as an attempt to test whether Putin is willing to engage in negotiations, while not indicating any agreement or follow-up outcome publicly tied to the messages.