Ukrainian tycoon appears in French court to deny embezzlement

Ukrainian businessman and former politician Kostiantyn Zhevago, centre, in a mask and cap (Laurent Cipriani/AP)

A Ukrainian billionaire and former legislator suspected of embezzling more than £83.5 million has appeared in a French court – calling the case against him politically driven and saying he wants to return to Ukraine to fight Russians who invaded his country.

Mining magnate Kostiantyn Zhevago, 48, was arrested in the ski resort of Courchevel in the French Alps last week based on an international warrant issued by Ukraine.