MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Ulyukayev is under investigation for allegedly receiving $2 million for a positive appraisal that allowed Russian energy company Rosneft to buy the state's shares of Bashneft oil company, the Russian Investigative Committee said earlier Tuesday.
"Of course there are both negative and positive aspects. Negative ones are that such things can exist at the ministerial level, if it is proven. He has a very important position, he has ties not only with colleagues in Russia, but also abroad. This is of course bad for the country's image," Philippe Pegorier said.
As for the positive side, Pegorier pointed out that detention of Ulyukayev meant that fight against corruption was going on even regarding high-ranking officials.