Ukrainian authorities announced the detention of Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk, a close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin and leader of the pro-Russian opposition party.
Medvedchuk was under house arrest before the war started in the country. Escaped shortly after the fighting began, Medvedchuk was captured in a special operation conducted by Ukraine’s SBU secret service.
Head of Ukraine’s National Security Service, Ivan Bakanov, shared the information on the organization’s Telegram channel that Medvedchuk was arrested.
Ministerov’s statement came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared a photo of Medvedchuk in handcuffs on his social media account. Medvedchuk is seen wearing a camouflage uniform with the Ukrainian flag crest.
Medvedchuk is the leader of the pro-Russian Opposition Platform for Life party.
Medvedçuk, who is on trial for treason, denies the charges against him.
In addition, Putin is the godfather of Medvedchuk’s youngest daughter.