KYIV: Ukraine on Monday (Apr 18) aired a video displaying Viktor Medvedchuk, a detained pro-Russia tycoon and ally of President Vladimir Putin, searching for to be exchanged in return for an evacuation of civilians and troops from the besieged port metropolis of Mariupol.
Mariupol has turn out to be an emblem of Ukraine’s unexpectedly fierce resistance since Russian troops invaded the previous Soviet state and pro-democratic nation on Feb 24.
“I need to ask Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskyy to alternate me for Ukrainian defenders and residents of Mariupol,” he stated within the video revealed by Kyiv’s safety providers, carrying black garments and looking out immediately into the digicam.
Medvedchuk, who escaped from home arrest after Russia’s invasion and was detained final week, stated the troops and residents there “do not need the potential for a secure exit by humanitarian corridors”.
Medvedchuk is considered one of Ukraine’s richest individuals and is understood for his shut ties to Putin. He’s additionally a politician.
He says Putin is the godfather to his youngest daughter, Darya.
The Kremlin had earlier rejected the thought of exchanging him for Ukrainians detained by Russia, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy floated the thought of a swap.
