(DEUTSCHE WELLE): Ukraine’s former President Viktor Yanukovych stands accused of treason. Specifically, he is accused of supporting actions with the goal of changing the national borders and territory of Ukraine. He is also accused of aiding Russia in carrying out an attack on his country.
The Ukrainian state prosecutor’s website states that Yanukovych “committed treason by helping the Russian Federation and its representatives to violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.” In doing so, the former president hoped to receive support and protection from Russian officials.
Yanukovych now lives in exile in Russia, which has declined to extradite him. He will be tried in absentia.
In Ukraine, treason usually receives a prison sentence of between 10 to 15 years. A similar sentence is also typically awarded for supporting an act of war or military aggression against the country.