Prosecutor General's Office announced on Feb. 14 that criminal proceedings have been opened against businessmen and former high-ranking officials recently sanctioned by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC).

Ukraine imposed sanctions on former president and opposition politician Petro Poroshenko, including an asset freeze and a ban on withdrawing capital from the country, for what the domestic spy agency said on Thursday were “national security” reasons.

Meanwhile, sanctions against Ihor Kolomoisky, Hennadii Boholiubov, Kostiantyn Zhevago, and pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk were introduced at the request of Ukraine’s SBU Security Service, the sources added.

Chocolate baron and former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, a political opponent and longtime nemesis of Zelenskyy, was sanctioned on suspicion of “high treason” and assisting a terrorist organization — prompting criticism and allegations of a “politically motivated” witch hunt.

Ukrainian lawmakers blocked the parliament podium in protest against President Volodymyr Zelensky’s sanctions on former President Petro Poroshenko. MPs accused Zelensky of authoritarianism and political repression.

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree on the sanctions of the National Security and Defense Council against former president of

Ukraine sanctioned the country’s opposition leader and former President Petro Poroshenko as the likelihood of an uncomfortable peace deal with Russia grows, setting the stage for new elections.Most Read from BloombergWhy American Mobility Ground to a HaltSaudi Arabia’s Neom Signs $5 Billion Deal for AI Data CenterSpaceX Bid to Turn Texas Starbase Into City Is Set for Vote in MayCutting Arena Subsidies Can Help Cover Tax Cuts,

Ukrainian former President Petro Poroshenko, who is suspected of high treason by financing pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine while in office in 2014-2015, addresses his supporters outside a court building before a hearing in Kyiv,