Ukrainian President has said he received signs of support from Russian businessmen, including oligarch Roman Abramovich, writes standard.co.uk.

The Chelsea FC owner was among several businessmen who told him they wanted to “do something” to de-escalate the Russian invasion, the Ukrainian President claimed.

Volodymyr Zelensky claimed some businessmen had offered support in the hope of being excluded from sanctions.

During an interview with Russian journalists working for independent media outlets, Ukrainian leader said: “Some said that they were ready to help rebuild the country after the war”.