Ukrainian Security Authorities Arrest Putin's Close Ally on 'Treason Charges'

Arrested Viktor Medvedchuk [Image source= Volodymyr Zelensky Facebook]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Byung-hee] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on the 12th (local time) that Viktor Medvedchuk, a close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin and an opposition politician accused of treason, has been arrested.

President Zelensky stated on his social media (SNS) account that Ukrainian security authorities conducted a special operation to arrest Medvedchuk. He also released a photo of the arrested Medvedchuk. Wearing handcuffs, Medvedchuk was dressed in Ukrainian military uniform to evade pursuit.

President Zelensky wrote, "Well done. I will reveal the specific arrest process later. Glory to Ukraine."

Medvedchuk was placed under house arrest last year on charges of treason. However, he escaped immediately after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.

Medvedchuk is known as the Ukrainian politician closest to Putin. Medvedchuk has even said that Putin is the godfather of his daughter. He is also the leader of the pro-Russian party and Ukraine's largest opposition party, For Life.

As an opposition politician, Medvedchuk strongly opposed Ukraine's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Some speculate that if Putin had overthrown the Zelensky government, Medvedchuk would have become the leading candidate for the puppet government of Ukraine.

Ukrainian security authorities also posted a photo of the arrested Medvedchuk on their official Twitter account. The security authorities stated they will pursue and punish traitors to the end.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.