Former Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko has reportedly faced restrictions linked to “treason” charges
Kiev has reportedly imposed sanctions on former President Pyotr Poroshenko, according to local media, as Vladimir Zelensky spoke about the need to fight those “selling Ukraine” in an address on Wednesday.
The nature of the restrictions remains unclear, but Ukrainian media sources say they are linked to treason charges against Poroshenko. The sanctions were reportedly imposed by the National Security and Defense Council (SNBO) – a coordinating body that normally answers to the president – following Zelensky’s meeting with SNBO members.
The Ukrainian leader confirmed that a certain “decision” was made at the meeting and said it would be made public on Thursday. He added that the move is aimed at “protecting our state and restoring justice,” and vowed to hold accountable those who have “destroyed” Ukraine’s national security and helped Russia.
Zelensky specifically mentioned “billions… earned by selling Ukraine” and its interests, adding that the money “must be blocked.” He did not, however, name anyone.
Poroshenko called the restrictions “absolutely illegal” and a “provocation” in a statement on Facebook. He claimed that Zelensky personally “ordered, signed, and implemented” the SNBO decision. Earlier, he said the Ukrainian authorities barred him from attending the Munich Security Conference, scheduled for February 14-16.
Poroshenko, the current head of the European Solidarity party, which holds 27 seats in Ukraine’s 450-seat parliament, led the country from 2014 to 2019 following the overthrow of President Viktor Yanukovich in a Western-backed coup. In December 2021, he was charged with high treason over alleged coal deals in Donbass during his presidency. His assets were frozen in January 2022, but he vowed in court not to flee the country.
Poroshenko has since emerged as a fierce critic of Zelensky. In 2023, he appealed to EU leaders, calling for the “restoration of freedom of speech” and political plurality in Ukraine. He also condemned what he described as Kiev’s “authoritarianism.” In early February, he accused Zelensky of failing to establish effective communication with US President Donald Trump.
Zelensky held a phone call with Trump on Wednesday, as the US president’s envoy delivered his demands for the “equivalent of $500 billion worth of rare earths” in exchange for the hundreds of billions of dollars Washington has given Kiev.
Zelensky “is selling out what remains of Ukraine, selling it for a pittance and openly,” Denis Pushilin, the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR), said on Wednesday, noting that much of the mineral wealth Zelensky is offering to Trump is actually Russian.
Moscow does not recognize Zelensky’s legitimacy since his presidential term officially expired in May 2024. Amid growing pressure on Kiev to hold a new election, Ukrainian media reported in mid-January that Zelensky is considering further legal action against his critic and political rival.
