Kyiv: In a tense diplomatic standoff, Russia has formally requested Ukraine to surrender Vasyl Maliuk, the head of the SBU Security Service, linking him to alleged terrorist activities. However, Ukraine swiftly rebuffed the demand, asserting its sovereign authority and highlighting an international arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Russian foreign ministry’s demand, issued on Sunday (Mar 31), underscored its insistence on Kyiv extraditing individuals purportedly involved in terrorist acts committed within Russian borders. Notably, the demand included Maliuk, the chief of Ukraine’s security apparatus.
Dismissing the demand as futile, the SBU issued a sharp response, referencing the pending international arrest warrant against Putin. This warrant, issued by the International Criminal Court, pertains to allegations of war crimes, specifically regarding the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia.
Russia’s extradition request emanated from a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry, citing violent incidents within its territory following the Ukrainian conflict escalation in February 2022. These incidents, including bombings resulting in casualties and injuries, were attributed to individuals with alleged connections to Ukraine.
Asserting its stance, Russia demanded Ukraine’s cooperation in arresting and extraditing the accused, cessation of support for terrorist activities, and provision of compensation to affected parties. The statement also cautioned Ukraine about potential consequences for breaching anti-terrorist conventions, signaling a readiness to pursue legal recourse at the international level.
Among those singled out for extradition was Vasyl Maliuk, who has previously acknowledged his service’s involvement in attacks on strategic infrastructure, notably the bridge linking Crimea to mainland Russia, following the 2022 invasion.
The SBU swiftly condemned Russia’s demands as “cynical”, labeling the nation a “terrorist state”. Refuting the legitimacy of the extradition request, the SBU emphasized the irony of such demands originating from a country it deems culpable for terrorist activities.
In a pointed retort, the SBU underscored the international legal ramifications awaiting Putin, referencing the ICC’s jurisdiction over alleged war crimes. The Hague-based tribunal’s warrant against Putin underscores the gravity of the accusations leveled against him, further complicating the already strained relations between Russia and Ukraine.
