Kiev Considers Offering Medvedchuk to Moscow in Exchange of Ukrainian Detainees

The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Alexei Danilov, has said that he will not rule out the offer by Kiev for exchanging Viktor Medvedchuk, leader of the Political Council of the Opposition Platform – For Life party, for Ukrainian nationals detained in Russia in case of a guilty verdict against the opposition politician.

“This decision is made by the Ukrainian president. I believe that, if there is such an opportunity (to exchange Medvedchuk for Ukrainians convicted in Russia), we will be willing to do that,” the secretary said on Ukrainian television when asked if an exchange like that was possible.

On Tuesday, Ukrainian police searched the home of Medvedchuk as well as the Opposition Platform – For Life party offices. It was later reported that Medvedchuk along with another  parliament member, Taras Kozak, are facing charges of high treason as well as an attempt for embezzlement of the national resources of Crimea.

Medvedchuk rebuffed the charges, claiming the accusations are baseless. He has been placed under house arrest by the Kiev Pechersky District Court. The politician said that he would make a decision on launching an appeal to fight the court’s ruling after consulting with his lawyers.