Arkadi Dvorkovic, Russia’s former deputy prime minister, resigned as head of a prestigious technology agency after criticising Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with one lawmaker accusing him of “treason” and demanding his dismissal.
Dvorkovic, who served as deputy prime minister between 2012 and 2018, spoke to US media outlets this week, criticising the Ukrainian invasion and saying his heart was with Ukrainian civilians.
Accused of treason
After Dvorkovic’s announcement, a senior lawmaker from Russia’s ruling party asked for his dismissal, accusing him of “fifth column”, that is, espionage, and “treason” on behalf of the enemy in the country.
Dvorkovic, 49, has been chairman of the board of directors of the Skolkovo Foundation, Russia’s so-called Silicon Valley innovation and technology center, since 2018.
The Skolkovo Foundation announced today that Dvorkovic is stepping down.
Darkovic, who previously served as chairman of the FIFA World Cup Russian organizing committee and president of Russia’s state-owned railways and was chief economic adviser to then prime minister Dimitri Medvedev from 2012 to 2018, is now president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday issued a stern warning against what he described as “traitors” in Russia.
Reuters, Independent
