Viktor Medvedchuk

A brewing scandal has gripped European politics as reports surface of Russia's alleged payment to high-ranking Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in a bid to sway the upcoming European elections scheduled for June. According to Politico, the revelations come amidst growing concerns over foreign interference in democratic processes within the European Union.

The Czech Republic has revealed the dismantling of a vast network of Russian influence spanning across Europe, with Bulgaria among its targeted countries. Prime Minister Petr Fiala disclosed the operation at a press conference, highlighting the involvement of a dozen European secret services in uncovering the intricate web of propaganda and political manipulation.

Russian forces have launched a devastating drone attack across the entirety of Ukraine, leaving a trail of destruction and casualties in its wake. The assault, which struck residential areas in cities like Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv, has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting urgent responses from international leaders and organizations.

Here are the highlights of events related to the war in Ukraine over the past 24 hours:

Soledar in eastern Ukraine is now under Russian control

The Moldovan Border Police detained lawmaker Yevhen Yakovenko, 57, from Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region on Sunday evening and placed him in pre-trial detention in Chisinau.

Interpol issued an international 'red notice' for Yakovenko's arrest at the request of the Belarusian authorities.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced the arrest of pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk, who is Vladimir Putin's closest and most influential ally in Ukraine.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky published a photo of Medvedchuk handcuffed and wearing a camouflage uniform with the Ukrainian flag sewn on as an applique.

Here are the most important events of the last hours related to the war in Ukraine.

Ukraine's security service announced it has arrested Putin's top pro-Russian politician and personal friend, Viktor Medvedchuk. The leader of the opposition party was under house arrest on suspicion of treason but escaped shortly after the Russian invasion.