Abramovich resumes peace talks after suspected poisoning

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has resumed his role in Ukraine-Russia peace talks after suffering 'symptoms of suspected chemical weapons poisoning'.

Abramovich and Ukrainian peace negotiators were reportedly the victims of a poisoning earlier this month, but a US official has since raised doubts about the claims.

The Russian oligarch has travelled to Istanbul for two days of negotiations, which include Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

According to the investigative website Bellingcat, Abramovich and Ukrainian peace negotiators suffered symptoms including "piercing pain in the eyes", but the dosage and type of toxin was likely insufficient to cause life-threatening damage and "most likely was intended to scare".

Bellingcat tweeted: "Bellingcat can confirm that three members of the delegation attending the peace talks between Ukraine and Russia on the night of 3 to 4 March 2022 experienced symptoms consistent with poisoning with chemical weapons.

"One of the victims was Russian entrepreneur Roman Abramovich."

However, a US official said on Monday the "intelligence highly suggests" the cause was environmental, "not poisoning".