Kyiv court has ruled that former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko remains a free man but orders the revocation of his passport ahead of his treason trial.

However, the judge imposed reporting requirements on Mr Poroshenko.

The conditions apply for two months initially, after which the court can extend them.

Mr Poroshenko was accused of doing business with Moscow-backed separatists in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine during his time in office.

According to reports, contracts to supply coal worth almost €100 million ($113 million) were agreed, though considerably less money was said to have flowed into Ukrainian coffers.

Investigators alleged that Mr Poroshenko acted in Russian interests, despite Ukraine being at war with its eastern neighbour.

Mr Poroshenko, Ukraine’s president from 2014 to 2019, rejected all the allegations against him and described the trial as a politically motivated one that would continue despite the court’s decision.

“The revocation of my passport hinders my political activity,” he said. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.

Mr Poroshenko returned to Ukraine on Monday after a long absence.

Many believed the millionaire chocolate magnate would be arrested as soon as he arrived in Kyiv, and hundreds turned out at the airport to show their support.

Should he decide to run again, Mr Poroshenko would be likely to face a fresh run-off with his successor Volodymyr Zelensky, to whom he lost the 2019 election, according to current polls.

However, Zelensky has yet to say whether he will seek reelection in 2024. 

(NAN)