Story perspectives

Abramovich Meets Zelensky, Ukraine Rejects Donbas Withdrawal

6/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sanctioned Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich traveled to Kyiv to deliver a private peace overture to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who said the meeting was not secret.
Zelenskiy said Ukraine will not withdraw from Donbas, that Russia wants Kyiv’s possible concessions, and that he ruled out any meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
He added that halting fighting along current front lines would be the quickest way to diplomatic talks without ceding territory.

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Story summary

Sanctioned Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich traveled to Kyiv to deliver a private peace overture to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who said the meeting was not secret.
Zelenskiy said Ukraine will not withdraw from Donbas, that Russia wants Kyiv’s possible concessions, and that he ruled out any meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
He added that halting fighting along current front lines would be the quickest way to diplomatic talks without ceding territory.