Ukraine ex-leader Petro Poroshenko accused of 'treason' | DW News - Dec. 20, 2021 |

The National Bureau of Investigation has accused the former leader of "committing treason" and supporting "terrorist organizations" -- the latter of which is a reference to pro-Russian separatists in eastern breakaway provinces.

Investigators said Poroshenko helped separatists in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions sell around $55 million (€48.7 million) worth of coal to Kyiv. The transactions allegedly took place while he served as president in 2014 - 2019.

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The case against Poroshenko is related to similar charges that were filed against pro-Russian lawmaker Viktor Medvedchuk. He has been under house arrest for several months.

What happens next?

Poroshenko did not immediately respond to the accusations. He left the country on Friday, although his European Solidarity party has denied any wrongdoing.

His party also says that Poroshenko does not pose a flight risk, and that he is slated to return to Ukraine following the New Year holidays.

Further reading ...

Ukraine Court Orders Ex-President Poroshenko Assets Frozen | Euronews |