Roman Abramovich's 'friendship' with Putin - lavish gifts and favourite son treatment
dailystar.co.ukChelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich has been under scrutiny for weeks over his alleged deep ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin, which the billionaire has denied.
Putin, who invaded Ukraine last week causing the deaths of hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians as well as reportedly thousands of Russian troops, is alleged to have enjoyed a "father and son" relationship with the Russian billionaire.Abramovich, who grew up orphaned from the age of three, has always been careful to distance himself from alleged links with the Russian president and last week gave stewardship over the running of his football club over to Chelsea's charity.His supposed connections to Vladimir Putin were recently raised by Labour MP Chris Bryant, who told the House of Commons he had a copy of a leaked Home Office report that alleged Abramovich having links to the Russian state as well as to "corrupt activity and practices".
Yesterday, it was reported Abramovich was aiding peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, attempting to find a peaceful resolution.If they are not friends now, Putin and Abramovich are believed to have had a very close relationship at one point.In 2012, a high court judge said that the Chelsea owner had "very good relations" with and "privileged access to" Putin.
In the same hearing, however, the judge stated that Abramovich did not have the clout to "pull the presidential strings".Mrs Justice Gloster said: "It was clear from the evidence that, at the material times, Mr Abramovich enjoyed very good relations with President Putin and others in power at the Kremlin."It was also clear that Mr Abramovich had privileged access to President Putin, in the sense that he could arrange meetings and discuss matters with.
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