Serbia did not extradite ex-SBU General Naumov because Zelensky called him a "traitor" before the court decision. This was reported by the BBC.


According to the Ukrainian SBI, Naumov, on behalf of the Russian special services, lobbied for the appointment of FSB agent Kulinich to a high position in the SBU 3 years ago.


After the invasion, Naumov fled to Serbia - the Ukrainian authorities opened criminal cases against him, stripped him of his rank and put him on the international wanted list.


In Serbia, the fugitive was detained with undeclared cash. However, the local court refused to extradite the detainee to Ukraine - after Zelensky's statement, the judges saw the extradition request as politically motivated.


Instead, Naumov was sent to prison for a year for money laundering - the convict may be released soon, while the SBI has been unable to collect evidence for a year to suspect him of treason.