Russia distances itself from detained politician

Russia distances itself from detained politician

Professional Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk, who has been arrested by the Ukrainian authorities, Qazet.az reports.

The 67-year-old is seen as President Vladimir Putin's closest ally in Ukraine.

A short time ago, Russia commented on the arrest insisting Mr Medvedchuk had no back channel of communication to the Kremlin.

Asked about a Ukrainian proposal to swap Mr Medvedchuk for detained Ukrainians in Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the wealthy businessman was a Ukrainian citizen and a foreign politician.

The comments indicate the Russian leadership is distancing itself from Mr Medvedchuk.