Fugitive Ukrainian oligarch close to Putin detained
Fugitive Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk, who is both a pro-russian opposition leader and a close associate of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, has been detained in a special operation carried out by the country's SBU secret service, Ukrainian officials said.
Ivan Bakanov, the head of Ukraine's national security agency, said on the agency's Telegramchannelthatmrmedvedchuk had been arrested.
The statement came shortly after President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on social media a photo of Mr Medvedchuk sitting in handcuffs and wearingacamouflageuniform with a Ukrainian flag patch.
Mr Medvedchuk leads the pro-russian party Opposition Platform - For Life. He was being held under house arrest before the war began and disappeared shortly after hostilities broke out.
Mr Putin is the godfather to Mr Medvedchuk's youngest daughter.
Ivan Bakanov, the head of Ukraine's national security agency, also said on the agency'stwitterprofilethattheprokremlinfigurehadbeenarrested.
"Youcanbeapro-russianpolitician and work for the aggressor state for years. You may be hiding from justice lately. You can even wear a Ukrainian military uniform for camouflage… But will it help you escape punishment? Not at all! Shackles are waiting for you,” the agency wrote,whilepostingapictureof Mr Medvedchuk.
Last year authorities opened a treason case against Mr Medvedchuk, who denies wrongdoing.
The Russian president was furious when Medvedchuk Ukraine'smostprominentprorussia politician - was placed underhousearrestandcharged with high treason.