Former Ukrainian president and current MP Petro Poroshenko, who is on bail on charges of state treason, aiding terrorist organizations, and financing terrorism, has rejected an invitation of political asylum from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Writing on Facebook, Poroshenko, who says his case is politically motivated, responded by telling the Russian leader that Ukrainian politicians can solve their problems themselves, implying that Putin should mind his own business.
“Our team has repeatedly stated that, by persecuting the pro-European opposition in Ukraine, Zelensky first of all wants to give a gift to Putin,” Poroshenko said. According to him, Putin’s offer of asylum “confirms” that Kiev’s decision to prosecute its own former president is a present to Moscow.
“I advise Volodymyr Alexandrovich [Zelensky] to stop making Putin happy and start defending the country. That’s where we should direct our efforts and the efforts of law enforcement agencies, which are instead dealing with Poroshenko more than the Russian threat,” he continued.