Political rivalries often outlast elections, shaping the course of national politics long after votes are cast. In Ukraine, tensions between current President Volodymyr Zelensky and his predecessor, Petro Poroshenko, have reached new heights.
The latest sanctions against Poroshenko have ignited accusations of political persecution.
Poroshenko Among Those Sanctioned for Alleged Treason
On Wednesday, Zelensky announced new sanctions targeting Poroshenko and several powerful oligarchs.
The decree accuses them of "high treason" and aiding a "terrorist organization," effectively freezing their assets and barring financial transactions.
"We are protecting our state and restoring justice," Zelensky said. "Those who undermined Ukraine’s national security and helped Russia must be held accountable."
He added that the billions allegedly earned from selling out Ukraine’s interests must now be redirected to defending the country.
Alongside Poroshenko, other sanctioned figures include Viktor Medvedchuk, a close Putin ally, and businessmen Kostyantyn Zhevago, Igor Kolomoisky, and Gennadiy Bogolyubov.
Poroshenko: "This Is a Political Witch Hunt"
Poroshenko, who served as Ukraine’s president from 2014 to 2019, has strongly denied the accusations.
In a video statement, he called the sanctions "unconstitutional" and "politically motivated," claiming they were part of a broader campaign by Zelensky to eliminate opponents.
"There are many accomplices in this crime—Zelensky’s entire team, the Cabinet of Ministers, and the National Security and Defense Council," Poroshenko said. "But the mastermind, executor, and signatory is one person—Zelensky himself."
Since losing the presidency to Zelensky in 2019, Poroshenko has faced more than 20 criminal investigations, including previous allegations of treason.
His supporters argue that these charges are part of an ongoing effort to sideline him politically.
As reported by Digi24, the deepening feud between Ukraine’s current and former leaders raises concerns about internal political stability at a time when the country remains locked in war with Russia.
