The latest news about the war in Ukraine:
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KIEV — Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy on Sunday ordered the suspension of activities of 11 political parties linked to Russia.
The largest was the Platform for Opposition for Life, which holds 44 of the 450 seats in the national parliament. Its leader is Viktor Medvedchuk, who has cordial relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is the godfather of Medvedchuk's daughter.
Also on the list is the Nashi (Our) party, led by Yevheniy Murayev. Before the Russian invasion, the British authorities had warned that Russia wanted to establish Murayev as the leader of the Ukrainian government.
In a video message on Sunday morning, Zelenskyy said that “given the large-scale war unleashed by the Russian Federation and the ties between it and some political structures, the activity of a number of political parties is suspended during the period of martial law.” The president added that “the activities of politicians aimed at discord and collaborationism will not succeed”.
Zelenskyy made his announcement after passing martial law that provides for the prohibition of parties associated with Russia.