Greece rejects Ukrainian request to return former pro-Russian city councilor

​​​​​​​By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Greece rejected a Ukrainian request to return a former pro-Russian city councilor who is wanted on an international arrest warrant, media reports said Friday.

The 54-year-old former city councilor in Ukraine’s southern province of Odesa, affiliated with the pro-Moscow Party of Regions, whose name was not disclosed, was arrested in northeastern Greece’s summer resort of Halkidiki late last year, according to the Kathimerini newspaper.

Citing the case file, the newspaper revealed that the Russian national settled in Odesa in 2002 and was later elected to the city council, and joined the pro-Russian Party of Regions, of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

In 2022, shortly after Russia attacked Ukraine, he stepped down from his seat, citing health reasons, and later traveled to Spain.

Following his arrest in Greece, he opposed extradition, claiming he risked political persecution and personal danger in Ukraine.

But in the extradition request, Ukraine, which accused him of participation in a criminal organization, fraud, forgery and money laundering, underlined that any pre-trial detention and proceedings would take place in western Ukraine, away from the front lines.

The newspaper said the Greek prosecutor handling the case recommended rejecting the request, citing security concerns related to Russian bombardments.

Ultimately, the Thessaloniki Appeals Council agreed and denied the extradition.

Similarly, in 2024, the Greek Supreme Court rejected Ukraine’s extradition request for Anatoliy Fomichevsky, former city councilor from the eastern city of Izium, who was accused of high treason for allegedly collaborating with Russian forces during their occupation of the city in 2022.

The court cited concerns that, given the conflict and his political background, Fomichevsky might not receive a fair trial or could face persecution for his political beliefs if returned to Ukraine.