On Tuesday, May 11, Ukrainian authorities put Viktor Medvedchuk, the Kremlin's most prominent ally in Ukraine, under formal suspicion for high treason as part of a crackdown on his circle that has fuelled tensions between Kyiv and Moscow.
Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova signed the note of suspicion against Viktor Medvedchuk and MP Taras Kozak on the articles of treason and attempted plundering of national resources in Crimea. Now, Ukrainian prosecutors are seeking to detain Medvedchuk, Venediktova reported on her official Facebook page.
"Medvedchuk, as the organizer of all this illegal activity and having strong ties with the leadership of the Russian Federation, began, according to the investigation, subversive activities against Ukraine, including in the economic sphere," Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova stated during a press conference.
As evidence, Venediktova and the head of Ukraine's security service said Medvedchuk had enabled Russia to appropriate a gas field in Crimea that Medvedchuk had obtained a licence to explore before the 2014 annexation.
Medvedchuk's party, the Opposition Platform - For Life, issued a statement saying the treason investigation and raids on Medvedchuk's home were revenge for him exposing the government's failings.
Tuesday's move is part of a widening crackdown against Medvedchuk that began in February when he and his associates were put under sanctions by Ukraine's president. Kozak-owned three television channels were also designated and forced off air.