Ukraine’s Defence Ministry said Denis Kireev, 45, was killed during a defense operation.
QUICK FACTS:
- A Ukrainian peace negotiator has been shot dead ahead of the latest round of talks to end the war amid claims he was a Russian spy, according to The Daily Mail.
- Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence said Denis Kireev, 45, was a spy and former banker who was killed during an operation to “defend the nation.”
- After his death, the government hailed him as a “hero” but MPs claimed he was shot and killed by Ukraine’s security service after resisting arrest on suspicion of “treason.”
- Russian newspaper Pravda reported that Ukraine’s security service had “clear evidence” of his suspected treason, which included telephone conversations.
MORE ABOUT THE “SPY”:
- Krieev participated in the negotiations between the delegations of Ukraine and Russia in Gomel on February 28, according to Pravda.
- How he ended up in the Ukrainian delegation and what he was specifically responsible for is unknown.
- It is known from open sources that Kireev was a banker.
- In 2010-2014, he worked as First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Oschadbank, and before that he was a member of the Supervisory Board of Ukreximbank, Pravda also notes.
BACKGROUND:
- Kireev was pictured sitting on the Ukrainian side of the negotiating table during last week’s peace talks with Russia on February 28, despite not being on the official delegation list, and his role at the summit is unclear.
- \Both Russia and Ukraine have made claims about his alleged spying activities, each accusing him of working for the other side.
