Kremlin: former Ukrainian president Yanukovych is guarded in Russia by Putin's order
The Russian Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is being guarded by Russian government security. Peskov noted, “government security is provided based on the decision of the head of the state.”
Peskov affirmatively answered the question about the existence of a presidential decree regarding Yanukovych’s protection saying: “Yes, yes, it (the decree) was given, when he (Yanukovych) left (to Russia) as the head of (the Ukrainian) government.”
Peskov did not answer journalists’ question about what specific security is provided for Viktor Yanukovych, notes Interfax.
Responding to a question about the legal status of Yanukovych, Peskov replied: “(He) entered Russia as the acting president and head of Ukrainian government, after a forceful seizure of power in the country.”
According to Peskov, currently Yanukovych “does not have any special status.”
On February 6th, 2019 Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has nothing against former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych.
Peskov also responded to journalists’ question about the legal grounds for Yanukovych’s stay on Russian territory in the light of regulations allowing Ukrainian citizens to stay in Russia for up to 90 days without obtaining necessary permits.
“I don’t think that applies to him (Yanukovych),” Interfax quotes Peskov as saying.
Responding to the question regarding Yanukovych’s legal status, Peskov answered: “I will have to confirm it. It’s an interesting question.”
On January 24th, 2019 the Obolosnky District Court of Kyiv sentenced Viktor Yanukovych to 13 years in prison for treason and being complicit in “aggressive war by Russia against Ukraine.”