Freed by Russia, Ukraine's 'Joan of Arc' may prove thorn in own leaders' side

Ukrainian servicewoman Nadiya Savchenko sings the national anthem during a news conference in Kiev, Ukraine, May 27, 2016. REUTERS/Gleb Garanich

KIEV (Reuters) - Securing pilot Nadiya Savchenko's release from Russian captivity was a PR coup for Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko but the outspoken woman feted as the nation's "Joan of Arc" may ultimately prove a thorn in his side.

While in jail, Savchenko was named a lawmaker in what is now the main opposition party at a time of growing disillusion with the slow pace of reforms and tackling corruption. She has also condemned a key plank of Poroshenko's ceasefire deal with pro-Russian separatists granting them autonomy in eastern Ukraine.