Ukraine arrested pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk. He is a close friend of Vladimir Putin, who is a godfather to his daughter
Ukrainian security services have announced the arrest of Vladimir Putin’s closest ally in Ukraine, the oligarch, and MP from the pro-Russian party “Opposition Platform For Life,” Viktor Medvedchuk.
Medvedchuk had been under house arrest on suspicion of treason but escaped soon after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. On April 12, 2022, he was captured by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU). According to the Head of the SSU, Ivan Bakanov, he tried to hide by using a Ukrainian Armed Forces uniform.
“I propose to the Russian Federation to exchange this guy of yours [ Victor Medvedchuk] for our boys and our girls who are now in Russian captivity,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video address.
Medvedchuk grew wealthy from Russian oil interests and his proximity to the Kremlin. Putin is godfather to his youngest daughter, and Medvedchuk’s coalition, Opposition Platform — For Life, pursued a pro-Moscow agenda until he was charged with treason in May 2021, accused of selling military secrets to Russia and exploiting the natural resources of the Crimea under Russian occupation.
