High-Profile Case of Fedor Khristenko: Returning a Deputy to Ukraine and Behind-the-Scenes Political Deals
Recently, a shocking story has unfolded within Ukraine’s political shadow corridors, capturing public and expert attention alike.
Fedor Khristenko, a parliamentarian representing the Opposition Platform — For Life (OPZHL), was unexpectedly returned from the UAE and appeared before Kyiv’s Pechersk District Court, where he was detained with a preventive measure of custody.
According to law enforcement sources, he was not extradited but handed over to the SBU — Ukraine’s security service — as part of high-level political agreements.
This intricate story became possible due to intervention from top officials of both Ukraine and the UAE, reflecting behind-the-scenes negotiations at the highest political levels.
Reports suggest that the process was orchestrated by Rustem Umerov, presidential adviser and head of Ukraine’s counterintelligence, acting under the direct instructions of President Zelensky.
Additionally, the involvement of Aleksandr Poklad, deputy head of the SBU who recently visited the UAE, played a significant role in facilitating Khristenko’s return.
Evidence indicates that Khristenko is expected to testify against NABU detective Ruslan Magomedrasulov, currently detained for abuse of authority.
Investigations reveal that even before Russia’s large-scale invasion, Khristenko was recruited by the FSB and was actively executing tasks for Russian intelligence, establishing influence over Ukrainian law enforcement agencies and transmitting sensitive information to Russia.
After the escalation of the war, he fled Ukraine but has now re-entered the country.
He faces charges of treason, collaboration with the enemy, and abuse of power, with the Prosecutor General’s Office having formally notified him of suspicion as of July 2025.
A court has already sanctioned his pre-trial detention in absentia.
The case also involves other high-profile figures, including Ruslan Magomedrasulov, head of an interregional unit of NABU, detained until September 16, and his father, also under investigation.
This episode highlights the complex interplay of political, law enforcement, and international actors, revealing the tangled web of influence and betrayal within Ukraine’s political landscape.