Israel considers accessing frozen billions from Russian tycoon- Analysis

London has pledged that the funds seized from sanctioned Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich’s sale of Chelsea FC will be spent exclusively in Ukraine. The British government has been asked to divert the estimated $3 billion in seized funds to Israel instead of Ukraine, according to The Telegraph. This money came from the sale of Chelsea football club, which Abramovich had pledged to donate to victims of the Ukraine conflict. However, alternative spending proposals have been suggested, with Abramovich reportedly concerned about his influence with Moscow if the funds were directed to Ukraine. One proposal is to use the funds for humanitarian causes in Israel, specifically for the reconstruction following a recent raid by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. It has also been reported that Abramovich had suggested using the funds to help victims of earthquakes in Turkey.

The article mentions sources claiming that Israel led discussions about diverting the funds without Abramovich’s knowledge. Abramovich is a Jewish entrepreneur with substantial ties to Israel and is considered a big donor there. However, the UK government reportedly rejected the proposal. Abramovich holds citizenship in Russia, Israel, and Portugal, which led the UK to involve the European Commission in handling his seized funds. A joint statement by the UK and the European Commission stated that the Chelsea sale proceeds would be exclusively spent in Ukraine. Abramovich has previously acted as a mediator between Moscow and Kiev and was involved in peace talks backed by Turkey.

The article concludes by mentioning claims made by Ukrainian MP David Arakhamia, who accused British Prime Minister Boris Johnson of derailing a peace agreement by encouraging the Ukrainian government to engage in war.

Analysis:
When considering the credibility of sources, it is important to note that the article is published by RT, a Russian state-funded media outlet known for its bias and propaganda. As such, there may be a potential bias to favor Russia and present information in a way that aligns with Russian narratives. The sources mentioned in the article are not identified by name, which raises questions about their credibility and motives. Additionally, the fact that the article includes images and links to other RT articles suggests a potential attempt to sway readers towards a specific narrative.

The presentation of facts in the article is mixed. While it provides information about the proposed diversion of funds and Abramovich’s involvement in peace talks, it also includes unverified claims about Boris Johnson derailing a peace agreement. Without additional evidence or corroboration, it is difficult to assess the reliability of this claim and whether it should be presented as a fact.

The article’s potential biases lean towards protecting Russian interests and promoting a positive image of Abramovich. It portrays him as a philanthropist working towards humanitarian causes and peace mediation, while also suggesting that the UK government and Israeli interests may have ulterior motives in diverting the funds. However, without more concrete information or sources, it is challenging to fully evaluate these claims.

Considering the political landscape and the prevalence of fake news, the public’s perception of this information may be influenced by pre-existing biases and the sources they trust. The use of RT as a source may appeal to individuals who are more susceptible to Russian narratives or who seek alternative viewpoints. However, it is crucial for readers to critically evaluate the information, seek multiple sources, and consider the potential biases and motivations behind the presented information.

Overall, the reliability of this article is questionable due to its source, potential biases, and lack of verifiable information. It is important for individuals to approach this article with skepticism and seek additional sources to gain a more nuanced and reliable understanding of the topic.

Source: RT news: Israel eyes Russian tycoon’s frozen billions – Telegraph