MP in Ukraine detained

In a significant development, Ukrainian parliamentarian Fedor Khistchenko has been detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on charges of treason. According to reports by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Igor Mosiychuk was the first to announce the arrest on August 20.

The SBU claims that Khistchenko was in close relations with a part of the leadership of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). However, the SBU's accusations against Khistchenko do not provide further details about the charges or the evidence.

Khistchenko, a public figure who returned to Ukraine in May 2022, is alleged to have had significant influence on the activities of the NABU, both in Ukraine and while he was abroad. His alleged activities took place in Ukraine, but it is claimed that he continued to exert influence on the bureau even after he left the country.

The reason for the accusation of treason is reported to be communicating with a Russian godmother, but no further details about her are provided in the article. The SBU charged Khistchenko in absentia on July 21, after large-scale searches at the offices of detectives of the NABU.

After the detention, Khistchenko was taken to court, where the court remanded him in custody. The member of the Verkhovna Rada from the OPZH party was declared wanted in Ukraine on August 13.

Despite living in Poland before moving to the UAE, Khistchenko left Ukraine at the beginning of 2022. The name of the detainee is reported as Fedor Khistchenko by Ukrainian media, including RBK-Ukraine agency.

However, no further information is given about the charges or the evidence against Fedor Khistchenko. The article does not specify the nationality of the godmother. This is a developing story and more information is expected to be released in due course.