Yushchenko Names His Poisoners

MOSCOW, Russia -- The names of the main suspects in the 2004 dioxin poisoning of Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko have become known. They are Vladimir Satsyuk, Taras Zalessky and Alexey Poletukha.

President Viktor Yushchenko
According to Ukrainian law enforcement, they are all now in Russia.

There are signs that Moscow may aid in their capture.

Satsyuk and Zalessky have figured in the case since the beginning.

The dinner on September 5, 2004, at which Yushchenko was poisoned took place at Satsyuk's dacha.

Satsyuk was at the time deputy head of the Ukrainian Security Service.

Zalessky was also present. He took the serving of pilaf intended for Yushchenko from the cooks and served it to him himself.

Little is known about Poletukha.

He worked in Ukraine Bank, which was founded by Yushchenko, and has long been wanted for financial crimes.

It is possible that he was in Russia at the time of the poisoning and acted as procurer of the poison.

Deputy Prosecutor General of Ukraine Nikolay Golomsha told Kommersant yesterday that Moscow has agreed to establish an expert commission to participate in the investigation.

Golomsha noted with approval that Russia has agreed to the presence of Ukrainian representatives in its investigation.

This is the first step Russia has taken in investigating the crime.

Russia made its decision the day after Yushchenko complained of Russia's intransigence to the Western media.

Source: Kommersant