MOSCOW, December 20. /TASS/. Russia has discovered that Ukrainian businessman Rinat Akhmetov belongs to an extremist organization, according to the Justice Ministry’s register.

"Rinat Akhmetov is a member of a group that is on the list of the public and religious organizations that are to be liquidated or banned in accordance with court rulings based on the Federal Law On Countering Extremist Activities," the register says.

"The group is based on ideological and property interests clearly aimed against Russia. The group mostly operates in Ukraine, as well as in certain Russian regions, and its activities are directed at harming the lives and health of Russian nationals, public and national security," the Ministry said in a statement.

According to the ministry, the group's members also seek to tarnish the image of the Russian Armed Forces and actively work to provide financial support to the Ukrainian army.