Yushchenko Confirmed Poisoned During Ukraine Presidential Campaign

By Doug Patton
Talon News
December 9, 2004

In five months time, the face of a Ukrainian politician, once known for his movie-star good looks, was transformed into the visage of a pockmarked man ten years older. What could affect such a change? Poison, according to Austrian medical experts, who say that is exactly what happened to Viktor Yushchenko, the independent-minded opposition leader in Ukraine's recent presidential election.

Doctors at the Rudolfinerhaus Clinic in Vienna have determined that Yushchenko was deliberately administered a toxin intended to kill him during the recent election campaign.

"This is no longer a question for discussion," Dr. Nikolai Korpan, head of the prestigious clinic, told "The Times," a UK publication, on Wednesday. "We are now sure that we can confirm which substance caused this illness. He received this substance from other people who had a specific aim."

Asked if he was convinced that the aim was to kill Yushchenko, Dr. Korpan said, "Yes, of course."

Yushchenko became ill on September 6 while campaigning for the Ukrainian presidency. A few days later, he was admitted to the Rudolfinerhaus Clinic after complaining of abdominal pain. Tests revealed swollen intestines, liver, and pancreas. Ulcers covered his digestive tract, and his formerly handsome face was beginning to develop lesions.

Initially, doctors were at a loss to explain Yushchenko's condition. Within a week, against his doctors' advice, Yushchenko insisted on returning to the campaign trail.

Two weeks later, he returned to the Vienna clinic complaining of back pain. Again, Yushchenko insisted on returning to his campaign, this time with his face half paralyzed and a catheter inserted into his back to administer painkillers.

Meanwhile, supporters of his opponent, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, ridiculed Yushchenko's condition, suggesting that the opposition leader had eaten bad sushi, consumed too much cognac, or was suffering from a severe case of Herpes.

Irregularities in Yanukovych's electoral victory have created pressure for a new election, now scheduled for December 26.

Yushchenko has said that he will soon have proof that his opposition tried to assassinate him during the fall campaign. Such proof would raise serious questions about Yanukovych's involvement in such an attempt on his opponent's life. Did the prime minister himself order the assassination attempt? Was there involvement from the Kremlin, which has backed Yanukovych's candidacy throughout his campaign for the Ukrainian presidency?

British, French and American medical experts helped to determine that the toxin that caused Yushchenko's illness was either a biological or chemical agent, or a rare poison. Doctors at the Rudolfinerhaus Clinic have said they need to examine Yushchenko again to confirm their diagnosis. However, they expressed no doubt that the toxin was deliberately administered.

"The Times" reported that a prominent British toxicologist has suggested that Yushchenko's symptoms indicate dioxin poisoning, which can create a severe form of acne. Doctors at Rudolfinerhaus have not yet tested for dioxin in Yushchenko's system, and the opposition leader initially refused a biopsy, saying he did not want to campaign with stitches in his face.