Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov has filed a lawsuit against Odessa Governor Mikhail Saakashvili for libel, Avakov said in an interview on TV channel 1 + 1.

“Because, if you're saying that someone is a thief, [that someone should] respond,” said Avakov.

At a December 14 meeting of the National Council for Reform, a verbal exchange took place between Avakov and Saakashvili, in which they accused each other of corruption. The interior minister then threw water in the governor's face.

After the National Council meeting, Saakashvili said Avakov maintained “informal paramilitary groups” and finances them with proceeds from corruption. Saakashvili also accused Yatsenyuk of corruption.