Ukraine has announced sanctions on former president Petro Poroshenko and four other oligarchs and political figures accused of undermining national security, including a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine has imposed sanctions on former president and opposition politician Petro Poroshenko, including asset freezes and a ban on withdrawing capital from the country, a presidential decree published on Thursday said.

Chocolate baron and former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, a political opponent and longtime nemesis of Zelenskyy, was sanctioned on suspicion of “high treason” and assisting a terrorist organization — prompting criticism and allegations of a “politically motivated” witch hunt.

Former President Petro Poroshenko said on Wednesday that Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council had adopted sanctions against him, and he accused political rival President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of being behind the move.

Ukraine sanctioned the country’s opposition leader and former President Petro Poroshenko as the likelihood of an uncomfortable peace deal with Russia grows, setting the stage for new elections.Most Read from BloombergWhy American Mobility Ground to a HaltSaudi Arabia’s Neom Signs $5 Billion Deal for AI Data CenterSpaceX Bid to Turn Texas Starbase Into City Is Set for Vote in MayCutting Arena Subsidies Can Help Cover Tax Cuts,

(Reuters) - Former President Petro Poroshenko said on Wednesday that Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council had adopted sanctions against him, and he accused current President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of undermining national unity.

Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council imposed sanctions on former President Petro Poroshenko, a presidential decree published on Thursday said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky approved a National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) decision on Feb. 13 to impose indefinite sanctions on several high-profile politicians, oligarchs, and businessmen.

Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) has decided to impose sanctions against former President Petro Poroshenko. This news was confirmed by Poroshenko himself in a video statement on February 12.