MOSCOW, November 15. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is aware of Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev’s detention, the cabinet press service said adding that the prime minister had discussed the matter with president Vladimir Putin and spoken out in favor of a thorough investigation.
- Charges against Ulyukayev require serious evidence — Kremlin spokesman
- Detention of Ulyukaeyv does not call into question Rosneft-Bashneft deal — sources
- Ulyukayev detained on suspicion of receiving $2 mln for clearing Rosneft-Bashneft deal
- Rosneft says economic development minister's detention poses no risks for Bashneft deal
- Stake in Bashneft purchased in accordance with Russian legislature — Rosneft
- Rosneft-Bashneft deal legal, not subject of investigation — Investigative Committee
"The prime minister is aware of Ulyukayev’s detention," the press service said. "The prime minister has discussed what happened with the Russian president."
"The prime minister believes a thorough investigation of this case needs to be conducted," the press service stressed.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier said that Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev was facing very serious accusation of bribery.
"This is a very serious accusation that requires serious proof," Peskov said. "In any case, only a court can decide anything," he stressed.
"As you may know, courts do not always agree with investigators, and vice versa," Peskov added.
Earlier on Tuesday, spokesperson for Russia’s Investigative Committee (IC) Svetlana Petrenko said that Ulyukayev had been detained on suspicion of receiving $2 mln for the positive assessment provided by the ministry that allowed Rosneft to purchase the government’s 50% of the Bashneft oil company. The investigators plan to bring charges against him soon and apply for a measure of restraint.