On March 4, Ukraine’s High Anti-Corruption Court delivered a significant ruling, affirming the Justice Ministry’s bid to seize the assets of Dmitry Kiselyov, a prominent figure known for his involvement in Russian propaganda.
The decision marks a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law. By upholding the claim to confiscate Kiselyov’s assets, the court signals a firm stance against individuals who are perceived to be complicit in propagating misinformation and undermining democratic principles.
This ruling underscores the commitment of Ukrainian authorities to hold accountable those who engage in corrupt practices or enable disinformation campaigns. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the media landscape and ensuring transparency in governance.
Who Is Dmitry Kiselyov?
Dmitry Kiselyov, a prominent Russian media executive and television presenter, has garnered attention for his vocal support of the Russian occupation of Crimea and the Donetsk and Luhansk regions since 2014. Despite international condemnation, Kiselyov has persisted in justifying Russian aggression, even in the wake of the full-scale invasion that commenced in February 2022.
His unwavering stance in support of Russian actions in these territories has drawn criticism from various quarters, with many viewing his commentary as complicit in promoting and legitimizing the annexation and ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. This steadfast support for Russian policies has placed Kiselyov in the spotlight and raised questions about his role in shaping public opinion through media channels.
The assets seized from Dmitry Kiselyov include a mansion situated in the town of Koktebel in occupied Crimea, encompassing 0.2878 hectares of land. Additionally, a Land Rover vehicle has been confiscated, alongside 100% of shares in the authorized capital of Club Skovoroda and 30.95% of shares in the Promo.UA limited liability companies.
Dmitry Kiselyov Sanctions
Dmitry Kiselyov faced sanctions and had his property and assets frozen by Ukraine in January 2023, following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s implementation of the National Security and Defense Council’s decision to impose personal sanctions on 119 individuals.
In February, Ukraine’s Justice Ministry submitted a request to confiscate the assets of the propagandist. Since March 2022, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has been investigating a criminal case against Kiselyov and another propaganda figure, Olga Skabeeva, for encroaching on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and inviolability. Kiselyov previously worked at the Ukrainian TV channel ICTV in the early 2000s.
