Controversial Ukrainian politician seeks close Russia ties The leader of the Ukrainian "Opposition Platform" Party, Viktor Medvedchuk, says he is close to Russia and Vladimir Putin, having claimed that the Russian President is the godfather of one of his daughters. According to exit polls, the pro-Moscow "Opposition Platform" party is reported to be in second place in the parliamentary elections in Ukraine. Viktor Medvedchuk and Russian President Vladimir Putin met for talks in Russia just days before the vote. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITESREFILE WITH TEXT STORY