SPY 'EXECUTED' Ukraine peace negotiator shot dead

MYSTERY surrounds the death of a member of Ukraine's peace delegation tonight - amid claims he may have been spying for Russia.

Officials in Ukraine said Denis Kireev, 45, a top negotiator, was killed during an operation.

However, it's since been suggested that he committed "treason" - with both Russian and Ukrainian sources making the claim.

News broke when Ukraine's ministry of defence revealed he was one of three spies to lose their lives "during the performance of special tasks".

Rumours then quickly began circulating which claimed Ukraine executed Mr Kireev because he was spying for Putin's aggressors.

Russia claimed the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) shot him during an arrest attempt.

Ukrainian outlets are now reporting the same claims - lending them credence.

Gory photographs posted online show Mr Kireev dead in a pool of blood.

Uncorroborated sources claim he was "literally executed" in the centre of Kyiv.

An official statement by Ukraine reads: “During the execution of special tasks, three spies were killed - employees of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

"The fate of Alexei Ivanovich, Chibineev Valery Viktorovich, Denis Borisovich Kireev.

"They perished defending Ukraine, and their rank brought us closer to victory!”

"We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

"Heroes do not die! They live as long as we remember them!

"Glory to Ukraine! Glory to heroes!"

Mr Kireev was present during the first round of Russia-Ukraine talks in Belarus.