Ex-Ukrainian deputy presidential chief of staff who returned to Ukraine hires personal guards
KYIV. May 20 (Interfax) - Andriy Portnov, a former Ukrainian deputy presidential chief of staff during Viktor Yanukovych's presidency, who returned to Ukraine this past weekend, said he has concluded a contract with police on providing his personal security.
"I feel safe. Of course, I have turned to the relevant organizations to this end due to regular threats. For that reason, I have concluded an official contract with police agencies. Police officials armed with automatic weapons are ensuring my security," Portnov said on the NewsOne television channel on Monday when asked whether he feels safe in Kyiv.
Portnov said he is moving around Kyiv without fear. "If there are any sorties or excesses, we will respond to this. I'm not afraid of anyone," he said.
"I've come here to engage in political and legal activities, and no one should intimidate me," Portnov said.
Following the change of government in Ukraine and Yanukovych's flight to Russia in 2014, Portnov left Ukraine and until recently lived in Moscow and Vienna.