(Reuters) – The wife of one Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most trusted allies in Ukraine claimed on Friday that he was beaten in the Ukrainian security services while being held in detention.

Oksana, Viktor Medvedchuk’s wife, stated that Viktor Medvedchuk had been attacked in one of the two photographs released by Ukraine during a Moscow news conference.

Reuters couldn’t independently verify this and neither the SBU or Ukraine’s security services responded immediately to inquiries for comment.

Dmitry Medvedev was the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council. He stated that: “Those freaks who claim to be Ukraine’s authorities said they wanted to defeat testimony out of Viktor Medvedchuk. On Tuesday, the SBU announced that it had taken Medvedchuk into custody. He is a long-standing advocate for closer relations with Russia and leader of Opposition Platform – For Life. This party is Ukraine’s biggest opposition party.

A photo of him with handcuffs was published on the Telegram account for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zeleskiy. Another was shared by the SBU via Facebook (NASDAQ:).

Marchenko displayed the photos and stated that one was taken prior to his interrogation. He showed no signs of injury. The second picture, which Marchenko claimed was taken during the interrogation of him, featured him with his hair dangling over his forehead.

It shows large bruises and scars that they tried to cover with their hair. She said that there is no doubt that the man was beat within hours of his arrest.

The photo below shows what might be a small mark under his hair. Reuters couldn’t determine the cause.

On February 24, Russia sent its troops into Ukraine. Three days later, Ukraine announced that Medvedchuk was freed from his house arrest. In May 2021, he was placed under house arrest and then charged with high-treason. Later, he was also charged with aiding terrorist.

According to the pro-Russian figure who said Putin was godfather for his daughter, he has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

On Wednesday, the head of SBU stated that Medvedchuk planned to flee Ukraine through secretly entering the Transdniestria area of Moldova. However, his plans were foiled.

Marchenko stated that she wants to find her husband, to protect him from abuse, and to grant him access to his lawyer and medical care.

Zelenskiy suggested that Medvedchuk could be exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners held by Russian forces. Russia rejected this offer Wednesday, warning that his detention might be imminent.