Ukraine's Savchenko launches hunger strike over political inaction


Ukrainian pilot and MP Nadiya Savchenko attends a news conference in Kiev, Ukraine, August 2, 2016. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko

KIEV (Reuters) - Nadiya Savchenko, the Ukrainian servicewoman-turned-lawmaker who spent two years in a Russian jail, announced a new hunger strike on Tuesday to speed up the release of other Ukrainian prisoners-of-war, accusing Ukraine's president of ignoring their plight.

Savchenko's return from Russia in May via a prisoner swap was a PR coup for President Petro Poroshenko. But her membership of a main opposition party and vocal criticism of key policies threaten to make her a thorn in his side.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Hungary opposition leader flags possible illicit video release ahead of election
Trump revokes basis of US climate regulation, ends vehicle emission standards
Bangladesh's BNP wins historic parliamentary election
Bangladesh's BNP wins parliamentary election
Italy's Lollobrigida wins second gold at Milan-Cortina Games in women's 5,000m speed skating (updated)
China's teenage debutant Tai confident of better performance at next Olympics
Urgent: Trump announces repeal of key finding underpinning U.S. climate regulations
76th Berlinale film festival opens, several Chinese films set to screen
NATO states pledge hundreds of millions for Ukraine weapons push, Rutte says
T�rkiye, Serbia pledge to strengthen economic ties

Others Also Read