Diplomatic scandal surrounding the arrest of a Ukrainian scientist in Russia
A real scandal has erupted over the arrest of a Ukrainian scientist, whom the Russian Kremlin accuses of undermining Russian industrial krill fishing in Antarctica. This news was reported by The Guardian.
Ukrainian biologist Leonid Pshenychny, a 70-year-old specialist in Antarctica, was arrested while preparing for a conference that was taking place in occupied Crimea. Russian authorities accuse him of treason.
In the document, Russian law enforcement describes the scientist as 'a citizen of the Russian Federation' who 'switched sides.'
Pshenychny is accused of undermining Russian industrial krill fishing in Antarctica due to Ukraine's proposals for catch limitations. Australia and the United Kingdom are demanding his immediate release.
Reaction to the arrest
Ukraine's Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko called Pshenychny's arrest baseless and fabricated. The diplomat noted that the embassy is gathering signatures from other countries demanding the immediate release of the Ukrainian scientist.
He is a scientist, not a politician. These are fabricated charges, his detention is unfounded.
Additionally, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don had previously sentenced 15 Ukrainian military personnel from the 'Aidar' battalion to long prison terms.
Summary / Context:
Ukrainian biologist Leonid Pshenychny was arrested in Russia on charges of undermining industrial krill fishing in Antarctica. The diplomatic scandal surrounding this event has provoked reactions from Australia, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine, demanding his immediate release. The case continues to unfold, but once again highlights the difficult relations between Ukraine and Russia.