A key ally to Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to have been captured by Ukrainian forces.
Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk, dressed in military camouflage, is seen sitting in a chair in handcuffs in a photo shared on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Telegram account on Tuesday. . .
Putin is godfather to one of Medvedchuk’s two daughters, and the two men have vacationed together in the past. Officials believe Putin was eyeing Medvedchuk to helm a pro-Russian puppet state in Ukraine if Moscow was able to overthrow the government, Newsweek reported.
Medvedchuk was known for his strong pro-Russia political beliefs and was the co-chairman of the eurosceptic Opposition Platform — For Life party until losing that position last month. Zelensky has since suspended the party, citing its links to the Kremlin.
Last year, Medvedchuk was put on house arrest for allegations of treason and looting Ukrainian resources in Crimea. Medvedchuk was believed to have fled house arrest four days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in late February, according to the New York Post. His capture marks a significant moral victory for Zelensky.
