KYIV -- A Russian-friendly Ukrainian lawmaker has been detained by Ukrainian soldiers after they said he was taking pictures of a military checkpoint in Kyiv, where Ukrainian forces have been fighting Russian invasion since last week.
Ukrainian soldiers of the 206th battalion of the territorial defense of the Ukrainian capital told RFE/RL on March 4 that Shufrych's three bodyguards were detained as well.
"Shufrych arrived at the checkpoint, stepped out of the car with his three bodyguards, and started taking pictures of the checkpoint, for which he was detained. His bodyguards tried to use firearms to prevent Shufrych's detention," one of the soldiers told RFE/RL, adding that all four had been handed over to the police.
The soldiers said they became suspicious when Shufrych explained that he came to the site to take pictures of himself with the "city's sights in the background."
The soldiers at the checkpoint told RFE/RL that they confiscated three assault rifles, including one with no serial number, and three pistols.
Shufrych is a leading member of the pro-Russian Opposition Platform -- For Life party founded by Kremlin-friendly tycoon and politician Viktor Medvedchuk.
Medvedchuk, who has a close personal relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been under house arrest on suspicion of treason since May 2021.
Ukrainian authorities said last week that Medvedchuk fled Kyiv in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine that started on February 24.
