A Ukrainian peace negotiator was shot and killed ahead of the latest round of peace talks, prompting accusations that he was a Russian spy.
Denis Kireev, 45, was a spy and former banker who was killed during an operation to ‘defend the nation,’ according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
The government hailed him as a “hero” after his death, but MPs claimed he was shot and killed by Ukraine’s security forces after resisting arrest on suspicion of “treason.”
Despite not being on the official delegation list, Mr Kireev was photographed on the Ukrainian side of the negotiating table during last week’s peace talks with Russia on February 28. His role at the summit is unclear.
Russia and Ukraine have both claimed responsibility for his alleged spying activities, accusing him of working for the opposing side.
According to the Russian newspaper Pravda, Ukraine’s security service had “clear evidence” of his suspected treason, including phone conversations.
‘Three spies – employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Main Intelligence Directorate – were killed during the execution of special tasks,’ according to a statement from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
‘Alexei Ivanovich, Valery Viktorovich Chibineev, Denis Borisovich Kireev’s fate.
‘They died defending Ukraine, and their rank helped us get closer to victory!
‘We send our heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families.
‘Heroes don’t perish! They are only remembered for as long as we remember them!
‘Hope and Glory to Ukraine! Heroes, we salute you!’
Before rumors that he was spying for Russia began to circulate, photographs of Mr Kireev were allegedly posted online yesterday, allegedly showing him dead.
He was assassinated by the Russian-backed Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), while senior Ukrainian politicians claimed he died in SBU custody.
Meanwhile, as he prepares to take over leadership of global efforts to end the horror in Ukraine, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has devised a six-point strategy to defeat Vladimir Putin.
Vladimir Putin has sparked an unprecedented outpouring of international outrage by offering Ukrainian refugees safe passage only to bombard them with artillery as they fled.
As part of a temporary ceasefire deal overseen by the Red Cross, 200,000 civilians were set to leave the port city of Mariupol and 15,000 from Volnovakha in eastern Ukraine at 7 a.m. yesterday (UK time).
Only 400 people were able to flee Volnovakha before the ceasefire was broken.
The Prime Minister led the condemnation of Russia, saying that the world must band together to stop the aggression.
Mr Johnson’s action plan called for the formation of an international humanitarian coalition for Ukraine, as well as a boost to Kyiv’s military self-defense, increased sanctions against Moscow, coordinated diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis, and a “rapid campaign to strengthen security and resilience across the Euro-Atlantic area.”
Mr Johnson also wants to combat “the creeping normalisation of what Russia is doing in Ukraine,” as he fears Putin’s actions will lose their shock value.
It comes after dramatic footage of the final moments of a Russian attack helicopter shot down by Ukrainian soldiers over a rural village 25 miles outside of Kyiv was released yesterday.
The Mi-24 was hit by a rocket before plummeting to the ground nose-first, killing all of its pilots and navigators, according to reports.
On the same day, Russian aerial forces lost eight aircraft, including multi-role, strike, and close air support aircraft, as well as a drone.
Putin was also under pressure from his own soldiers to end the war yesterday, which was a remarkable development.
Captured Russian troops spoke out against the mission at a press conference in Kyiv, calling on their fellow citizens to unite against the conflict.
