Khodorkovsky backs Ukraine’s new leaders

Russian former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky cheers people during a rally in the Independence Square in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, March 9, 2014. AP

KIEV, Ukraine—The man who was once Russia’s most famous prisoner says Russia is ruining its longstanding friendship with Ukraine by its aggressive and pro-separatist actions in Crimea.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky made the remarks in a lecture to students at a Kiev institute of higher learning on Monday.

“We are losing Ukrainian-Russian friendship” because of Russian actions, Khodorkovsky said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to have any dealings with the new Ukrainian leaders who replaced fugitive pro-Kremlin President Viktor Yanukovych.

But Khodorkovsky expressed support for them, saying they came to power thanks to “a revolution of justice.”

Khodorkovsky, once Russia’s wealthiest man, was pardoned last December by Putin. Many believe he was convicted of tax violations and other crimes and sent to prison on trumped-up charges.