[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Controversy has arisen as the UK Foreign Office, which identified a pro-Russian politician in Ukraine, admitted that there seemed to be some confusion after the politician refuted the UK government's claims. Amid growing concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there are worries that pro-Russian controversies among politicians in Ukraine will also intensify.
On the 23rd (local time), Yevheniy Murayev, a former Ukrainian lawmaker identified by the UK Foreign Office as one of the pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine, said in an interview with the UK Observer, "It seems the UK Foreign Office is confused," and countered, "I have been under sanctions from Russia for four years, and even my father's company funds have been seized." He added, "It seems Russia has another candidate in mind," emphasizing, "I will be loyal to my homeland."
Earlier, the UK Foreign Office claimed that five Ukrainian politicians, including former lawmaker Murayev, maintain ties with Russian intelligence agencies, and that some of them are involved in plans to attack Ukraine. However, no detailed evidence was disclosed. In particular, Murayev was pointed out as a figure Russia is considering as a potential future leader of Ukraine.
Within Ukraine, if Russia invades Ukraine aiming for regime change, Viktor Medvedchuk, a close aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin and a Ukrainian oligarch, is expected to be a more likely candidate than former lawmaker Murayev. Medvedchuk was arrested last May by the Ukrainian prosecutor's office on charges of treason and is currently under house arrest in Kyiv.
As concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine grow, pro-Russian controversies among politicians in Ukraine are expected to spread further. Earlier, UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab warned in an interview with the BBC, "If Russia invades Ukraine or tries to establish a puppet regime, there will be serious consequences."
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