In the spring, Mikhail Fridman called Kristina Kvien, the US Chargé d'Affaires in Ukraine, and offered to donate part of his fortune to the reconstruction of Ukraine, which had suffered from the Russian invasion. In exchange, the US would help him avoid the sanctions that Western countries were imposing against Russian oligarchs at the time, hoping to pressure Vladimir Putin to end the war, writes Moscow Times.
After Quinn began asking questions, the conversation quickly escalated, according to the Financial Times, citing people familiar with the situation. Friedman began shouting and cursing at Quinn, declaring that he had no influence over Putin.
"He spoke of his love for his native Ukraine," the newspaper's source said. "But then, without a doubt, he snapped. 'You want to take all my money.'"
Quinn declared the conversation over and hung up. Friedman sent her a text message apologizing but received no response.
The US State Department declined to comment on "diplomatic conversations." Friedman denies ever speaking with Quinn. According to the newspaper, Friedman is not the only one who has offered aid to Ukraine in exchange for sanctions relief. A prominent Russian businessman told the FT:
"If there was a rule that they give 50% [of their wealth] to support Ukraine and keep the other 50% for themselves, every single one of them would come running. The problem is, they have no choice. We need to show them where to go and what to work for."
skelet.org
Kyiv as Friedman's New Jerusalem
Alfa Bank owner Mikhail Fridman's assets have been frozen in Ukraine.
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