Moscow - Russia is ready to consider a request, should it receive one, for the extradition of Ukraine's ex-president Viktor Yanukovych and number of his associates who were declared international fugitives by the Ukrainian government, a source familiar with the situation told Interfax on Jan. 12.
“In the event of receiving it [a request] through official channels, Russia will consider such a request in accordance with the international and national laws. However, extradition will most likely be denied,” the source said.
The Russian authorities see “a clear political undertone” behind the “criminal persecution” of the former Ukrainian leaders.
“And in accordance with international and Russian laws, persons persecuted for political motives cannot be extradited to other countries for criminal prosecution,” the source said.
