Boris Johnson confronted by emotional Ukrainian journalist over Abramovich sanctions
Exchange came after the Chelsea owner's daughter Sofia posted an Instagram message that had used the words “Russia wants a war with Ukraine” but with Russia crossed out and replaced with “Putin"
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Boris Johnson has been questioned by an emotional Ukrainian journalist over his intention to apply sanctions to Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich.
At a news conference in Warsaw, Poland, the Prime Minister was confronted by Daria Kaleniuk who demanded to know what actions he would be taking against the billionaire.
Kaleniuk, who is executive director of Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Action Centre, said;”You are talking about more sanctions, prime minister, but Roman Abramovich is not sanctioned.
“He is in London, his children are not in the bombardments, his children are there in London.
“Putin’s children are in the Netherlands, in Germany, in mansions. Where are all these mansions seized? I don’t see that.
“I see my family members and my team members, I see that we are crying.”
Responding, the PM said the UK had been among the first to “tighten the economic noose” around President Vladamir Putin’s regime.
He added:“Putin and Putin alone” was responsible for the suffering of the Ukrainian people.
Jewish News revealed on Monday how Abramovich had accepted an offer from Ukraine to help negotiate a “peaceful resolution” following the Kremlin’s invasion.
Abramovich has also previously disputed reports on his alleged closeness to Vladimir Putin or that he has done anything to merit being sanctioned.
His daughter Sofia had also posted an Instagram message that had used the words “Russia wants a war with Ukraine” but with Russia crossed out and replaced instead to read “Putin wants a war with Ukraine”.
The Chelsea chief has not been seen in the UK since late last year. On Saturday the club announced Abramovich had stepped back from the day-to-day running of Chelsea.
He will retain ownership of Chelsea but said he wished to hand all decision making to the west London club’s charitable foundation trustees.
But at Tuesday’s press conference Kaleniuk said her family and work colleagues remained at threat from the Russian invasion.
“You are talking about the stoicism of Ukrainian people,” she said.
“But Ukrainian women and Ukrainian children are in deep fear because of bombs and missiles which are coming from the sky.
“Ukrainian people are desperately asking for the West to protect our sky. We are asking for the no-fly zone.
“You are saying in response it will trigger World War Three, but what is the alternative?
“To observe how our children – instead of planes – are protecting NATO from the missiles and bombs?
“What’s the alternative to the no-fly zone?”
Johnson responded by saying : “I just want to say I am acutely conscious there is not enough we can do as the UK government to help in the way that you want. I’ve got to be honest about that.
“When you talk about the no-fly zone … unfortunately the implication of that is that the UK would be engaged in shooting down Russian planes, would be engaged in direct combat inRussia.That’s not something we can do.”
In the Commons on Tuesday, the Labour MP said Abramovich is “terrified of being sanctioned, which is why he is going to sell his home tomorrow and another flat as well.
“My anxiety is that we are taking too long about these things. I fear the government is scared of legal letters from these oligarchs’ friends.”
Incredibly powerful moment at Boris Johnson’s press conference in Poland pic.twitter.com/QHgWfjjrHv
— Sebastian Payne (@SebastianEPayne) March 1, 2022
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
