Ukrainian Lawmaker Slated as Putin’s Puppet Leader Wounded in Annexed Crimea 2023

• Oleg Tsaryov, a 53-year-old former Ukrainian lawmaker, was shot in Crimea.
• He was a potential candidate to lead a government aligned with Vladimir Putin in Kyiv.
• The Security Service of Ukraine has officially confirmed this incident as an apparent assassination attempt.

A former Ukrainian lawmaker who was tipped to be Putin’s puppet leader in Ukraine for Russian President Vladimir Putin was shot in Crimea.

Oleg Tsaryov, a 53-year-old pro-Russian politician, was critically wounded in an apparent assassination attempt near his residence, as reported in a Telegram post on his account. The post, confirming the attack, stated, “The attempt on Oleg Tsaryov’s life has been verified by his relatives.”

Upon the arrival of the ambulance, Tsaryov was found unconscious with severe blood loss. As of now, his current health status remains undisclosed.

The Security Service of Ukraine also confirmed the assassination attempt, with one source revealing to the Kyiv Post, “He has long been on the list of traitors who must be held accountable for their actions. Oleg Tsaryov is a legitimate target, not just a supporter of the ‘Russian world’ but a person who actively participated with Russian forces in attempting to seize Kyiv.”

What is the significance of the incident involving Oleg Tsarev in occupied Crimea?

The incident involving Oleg Tsarev in occupied Crimea holds significant implications for several reasons. Here are some key points:

1. Tsarev, a pro-Russian Ukrainian politician, sought refuge in Crimea in 2014, facing separatist charges in Ukraine. He is labeled as a “traitor to the motherland” in the unofficial Myrotvorets database.
2. Tsarev survived a near-fatal assassination attempt, enduring two gunshot wounds near his residence at a Crimea sanatorium. He currently remains in critical condition, fighting for his life.
3. Tsarev, a former Ukrainian lawmaker and successful hotel businessman in Crimea, had previously served as a member of the Ukrainian parliament and as the speaker of the “Novorossiya” parliament.
4. Speculation suggests that Tsarev might have been a potential candidate to lead a puppet government for Russia in Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
5. The Security Service of Ukraine has confirmed the assassination attempt, with suspicions of links to Ukrainian intelligence agencies.
6. Russia’s FSB, the law enforcement and intelligence service, initiated a criminal case for the attempted murder of Tsarev but has not yet identified a suspect.
7. This incident sheds light on the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia and underscores the complex political landscape in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.

Background

Who is Oleg Tsarev, and what is his political background?

Oleg Tsaryov is a multifaceted figure known for his involvement in both business and politics, particularly in the intertwined realms of Ukraine and Russia. His political journey encompasses several notable phases. First, he held the position of People’s Deputy of Ukraine, representing the Party of Regions; however, his tenure was marked by his expulsion from the party on April 7, 2014.

Subsequently, in a significant development, Oleg Tsaryov assumed the role of Speaker of the Parliament of Novorossiya on July 26, 2014. This parliamentary body encompassed the separatist Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, ultimately dissolving on May 18, 2015. Oleg Tsaryov is most prominently recognized for his pro-Russian political orientation, and he was rumored to be a potential leader for a pro-Russian government in Ukraine with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

His ascendancy as a separatist leader in eastern Ukraine coincided with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the ensuing civil conflict. Furthermore, since June 2014, Oleg Tsaryov has been the subject of a Ukrainian arrest warrant due to allegations of promoting separatism and involvement in acts of violence. Notably, he has also faced sanctions imposed by Ukraine, the United States, and several other Western nations in response to his political activities. This succinct overview provides insights into the diverse facets of Oleg Tsaryov’s political career, offering a glimpse into the complex and intricate political landscape in which he operates.

Why is he referred to as “Putin’s puppet leader”?

Oleg Tsaryov earned the moniker “Putin’s puppet leader” due to reports suggesting he was being considered to head a pro-Russian government in Ukraine at the behest of President Vladimir Putin. Multiple sources, including U.S. intelligence agencies, indicated that Oleg Tsaryov was a potential choice to lead a proxy government in Kyiv in the event of a successful offensive to remove President Zelensky.

However, when the Financial Times reported it just before the invasion, citing U.S. intelligence, Tsaryov publicly refuted this theory. Despite his denial, Tsaryov’s political affiliations and activities have rendered him a divisive figure. Myrotvorets, an unofficial database that identifies people as enemies of Ukraine, has labeled him a “traitor to the motherland.“

The recent assassination attempt on Oleg Tsaryov highlights the persistent tensions and intricate dynamics within the ongoing Ukrainian conflict. In essence, Oleg Tsaryov is called “Putin’s puppet leader” due to reports of his potential involvement in leading a pro-Russian government in Ukraine on behalf of President Vladimir Putin.

How did Crimea come under Russian occupation, and what is the current political situation there?

The Russian Federation’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 was a pivotal event with enduring political consequences. Here is a concise overview of how it transpired and the current political landscape:

Annexation of Crimea: In February and March 2014, Russia entered and subsequently claimed the Crimean Peninsula, which was a part of Ukraine. This occurred during the power vacuum following Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity and marked the initial action in the broader Russo-Ukrainian War.

The sequence of events unfolded as follows:

• On February 22, 2014, the ousting of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in Kyiv triggered pro-Russian demonstrations, starting on February 23. During this period, Russian President Vladimir Putin conversed with security service chiefs, suggesting the need to work on the return of Crimea to Russia.
• On February 27, Russian forces occupied key locations throughout Crimea, and Aksyonov soon established a pro-Russian government.
• On March 6, the Crimean parliament voted to break away from Ukraine and join the Russian Federation. On March 16, 2014, there would be a public referendum, which Russia supported but which the West strongly opposed.
• On March 18, Putin met with Aksyonov and other regional representatives, finalizing a treaty that integrated Crimea into the Russian Federation. Western governments expressed strong opposition to this development.

Current Political Landscape: Ukraine and a majority of the international community continue to recognize Crimea as Ukrainian territory under Russian occupation. A United Nations General Assembly resolution in 2022 reiterated Ukraine’s sovereignty over Crimea.

Since the occupation began, the Russian government has actively worked to consolidate ethnic Russian influence in Crimea while marginalizing the Ukrainian population.

Russia has firmly established itself in the region as a popular tourist destination, making substantial investments in infrastructure and tourism.

The situation in Crimea remains tense, with recent incidents involving damage to Russian military facilities and infrastructure.

The annexation of Crimea has far-reaching political consequences, including international sanctions against Russia and persistent tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

Are there any previous incidents or controversies involving Tsarev?

Expulsion from the Party of Regions: In April 2014, Oleg Tsaryov was expelled from the Party of Regions.

Ukrainian authorities have been looking for Oleg Tsaryov‘s arrest since June 2014 due to his alleged involvement in encouraging separatism and violence.

Ukraine and other Western countries have sanctioned Tsaryov; among them are the United States, Ukraine, and a number of others.

Potential Role in a Puppet Government: Reports indicate that United States intelligence agencies contemplated Tsaryov as a potential leader for a puppet government in Kyiv, should their offensive succeed in removing President Zelensky.

Speaker of the Parliament of Novorossiya: Oleg Tsaryov assumed the role of Speaker of the Parliament of Novorossiya on July 26, 2014, overseeing a confederation that included the separatist Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, a position he held until its dissolution on May 18, 2015.

The Stabbing Incident

What are the known details of the stabbing incident?

On October 27, 2023, Oleg Tsaryov, a pro-Russian businessman and former lawmaker, was the victim of an apparent assassination attempt, sustaining two gunshot wounds near his residence in Yalta, Crimea. Here are the key details of the incident:

Location	The attack occurred within the premises of the sanatorium where Oleg Tsaryov resides in Yalta, Crimea.
Time	The incident unfolded around midnight on October 27, 2023
Injuries	Oleg Tsaryov was shot twice, leading to severe injuries that left him unconscious and bleeding. He was promptly transported to a nearby hospital and underwent surgery, subsequently being placed in intensive care.
Possible Motive	Tsaryov’s political alignment and activities have cast him as a controversial figure. Reports suggested that he was being considered to lead a proxy government in Ukraine on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has long branded him a “traitor” due to his support for Russia’s annexation of Ukraine and his alleged involvement in the attempted seizure of Kyiv with Russian tanks. Although the SBU has not formally taken responsibility for the attack, an unnamed source within the Ukrainian intelligence service claimed that the shooting of Oleg Tsaryov was a result of a special operation.
Investigation	Russian authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, but as of now, the SBU has not commented on these allegations.

Who were the witnesses and what did they say?

On the night of October 27, 2023, a significant incident took place at the Yalta sanatorium, where Oleg Tsaryov resides in Crimea. Reports indicate that Oleg Tsaryov was discovered in an unconscious and bleeding state, having sustained two gunshot wounds. His family issued a statement on his Telegram channel, revealing his critical condition due to severe blood loss.

Although the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has not formally taken responsibility for the attack, a source within the Ukrainian intelligence service has claimed that the shooting of Oleg Tsaryov was a result of a special operation. Russian authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident with the FSB, Russia’s law enforcement and intelligence service, launching a criminal case related to the attempted murder of Tsaryov.

Immediate responses from the Russian authorities or Tsarev’s supporters

Russian Authorities

• The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has initiated a criminal investigation into the attempted assassination of Oleg Tsaryov. The Chairman of the Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, has instructed his team in Crimea to ascertain the details of the assassination attempt and identify the assailant. The Kremlin has stated that it was unaware of any such attempt on Tsaryov’s life.

Tsaryov’s Supporters

• Oleg Tsaryov’s family, via his Telegram channel, has released a statement indicating that he is currently in an unconscious state and has suffered significant blood loss. Vladimir Rogov, a pro-Russian politician in occupied Ukraine, has reported that Tsaryov is in intensive care and in critical condition. Supporters of Oleg Tsaryov have also taken to social media to express their solidarity and condemn the attack.

Ukrainian Authorities

• While the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, an undisclosed source within the Ukrainian intelligence agency has suggested that the shooting of Tsaryov may have been part of a special operation conducted by the SBU. The SBU has long branded Tsaryov as a “traitor” due to his support for Russia’s annexation of Ukraine and his alleged involvement in an attempted seizure of Kyiv with Russian tanks. The Ukrainian authorities, however, have not provided an official comment on the incident.

The investigation: How are authorities handling the case?

The authorities are approaching the case of Oleg Tsaryov’s shooting in the following manner:

1. Criminal Investigation:

• The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has launched a criminal case, charging attempted murder of a public figure.
• The Investigative Committee, under the leadership of Alexander Bastrykin, has also initiated a similar criminal case.
• The FSB has categorized the assassination attempt under Russian Criminal Code Article 277, which deals with the attempted murder of a state or public figure.
• Both the FSB and the Investigative Committee are actively investigating the incident to unravel the circumstances of the attack and identify the perpetrator.

2. Unknown Perpetrator:

• Tsaryov’s Telegram channel reports a lack of information regarding the person responsible for the attack.
• The investigation is ongoing, and Russian authorities have not issued any official statements regarding the attacker or their motivations.

3. The Ukrainian Intelligence Agency’s Alleged Involvement:

• A source within the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) intelligence agency has suggested that the shooting was part of a special operation.
• However, it’s important to note that the SBU has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack, and Ukrainian authorities have refrained from providing official comments on the incident.

Oleg Tsarev’s Impact on the Region

What policies and actions has Tsarev been involved in during his tenure?

Here are some of the policies and actions that Oleg Tsarev has been involved in during his time in politics:

1. Support for Russian Annexation of Crimea: Tsarev has strongly advocated for Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and he has faced allegations of promoting separatism and violence in Ukraine. There were even reports suggesting that he was being considered to lead a puppet government in Ukraine on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
2. Speaker of the Parliament of Novorossiya: On July 26, 2014, Tsarev assumed the role of the Speaker of the Parliament of Novorossiya, a confederation that included the separatist Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. He held this position until the dissolution of Novorossiya on May 18, 2015.
3. Expulsion from the Party of Regions: Tsarev was expelled from the Party of Regions on April 7, 2014, due to his vocal support for Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
4. Ukrainian authorities have been looking for Tsarev since June 2014 on suspicions of inciting violence and separatism.
5. Ukraine, the United States, and several other Western countries have imposed sanctions on Tsarev as a result of his involvement in supporting Russia’s annexation of Crimea and his alleged role in encouraging separatism and violence in Ukraine.
6. Ownership of Kirov Sanatorium in Crimea: Tsarev is the owner and manager of the Kirov Sanatorium in Crimea. This property came under Russian occupation in 2014.
7. Sentenced to Prison in Absentia: In May 2022, the Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Kyiv sentenced Tsarev to 12 years in prison in absentia for publicly advocating actions to alter Ukraine’s territorial borders and state borders.

How has his leadership affected Crimea and its people?

Oleg Tsaryov’s leadership in Crimea has sparked controversy due to the significant impact of his policies and actions on the region and its people. Here are the key ways in which his leadership has affected Crimea:

1. Support for Russian Annexation: Oleg Tsaryov has fervently supported Russia’s annexation of Crimea, a move that has had profound consequences for the region and its inhabitants. This annexation triggered international condemnation and sanctions and continues to fuel tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
2. Ownership of Kirov Sanatorium: Oleg Tsaryov owns and oversees the Kirov Sanatorium in Crimea, a facility that came under Russian occupation in 2014. This occupation has had a substantial impact on the local economy and the tourism industry.
3. Role as a Separatist Leader in Eastern Ukraine: In the wake of the 2014 civil war outbreak, Tsaryov emerged as a prominent separatist leader in eastern Ukraine. The ongoing conflict in this region has led to a high human cost, with thousands of casualties and significant displacement.
4. Allegations of Promoting Separatism and Violence: Oleg Tsaryov has faced accusations of actively promoting separatism and violence in Ukraine. Since June 2014, Ukrainian authorities have sought him in connection with these allegations. His alleged role in promoting separatism and violence has added to the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
5. Involvement in a Puppet Government: Reports have suggested that Oleg Tsaryov was being considered to lead a puppet government in Ukraine on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This notion of a puppet government has drawn international condemnation and further contributed to the strained relations between Russia and Ukraine.

The Geopolitical Implications

How does the stabbing of a pro-Kremlin politician in Crimea impact Russia’s image on the international stage?

The impact of the incident on Russia’s image can be categorized as follows:

1. International Condemnation: The incident has drawn strong international condemnation, with many countries expressing concerns about the situation in Ukraine and the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. This could further tarnish Russia’s global reputation and result in increased sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
2. Implications for Russian Involvement in Ukraine: The incident raises questions about Russia’s involvement in Ukraine and its support for pro-Kremlin figures like Oleg Tsaryov. This could escalate tensions between Russia and Ukraine and potentially lead to increased military activity in the region.
3. Implications for Russian Domestic Politics: The incident may have implications for Russian domestic politics. Some analysts suggest it could be used to justify increased repression and crackdowns on opposition figures. Additionally, it may fuel support for nationalist and anti-Western sentiment in Russia.

The international response: What are other nations saying about the incident?

The recent assassination attempt on Oleg Tsaryov, a prominent pro-Kremlin Ukrainian figure in Crimea, has drawn widespread global attention and condemnation. Here are the responses from various nations:

Ukraine: While the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) hasn’t officially claimed responsibility for the attack, an undisclosed source within the intelligence agency hinted that Tsaryov’s shooting was part of an SBU special operation. The Ukrainian authorities, however, have not issued an official statement on the incident.

Russia: The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has initiated a criminal investigation into the attempted assassination of Oleg Tsaryov. The Kremlin has expressed its unawareness of any attempt on Tsaryov’s life. Russian authorities are actively investigating the incident, and the FSB has opened a criminal case in connection with the attempted murder of Tsaryov.

Western Countries: The international community has reacted with strong condemnation of the incident, reflecting deep concerns about the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine and the situation in Ukraine. This episode has the potential to further harm Russia’s standing on the global stage and may result in increased sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

Putin’s Puppet Leaders: A Broader Perspective

What are the characteristics of a “puppet leader” in geopolitics?

The recent attempt on Oleg Tsarev’s life in Crimea has sparked discussions about the traits that define a “puppet leader” in the realm of geopolitics. Let’s explore some key characteristics that label Oleg Tsarev as a “puppet leader” in geopolitics:

1. External Control: Tsarev’s alignment with the idea of leading a puppet government under Vladimir Putin’s influence in Kyiv underscores his loyalty and susceptibility to external powers. He was viewed as a pro-Russian figure who steadfastly supported Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
2. Limited Political Authority: As a puppet leader, Tsarev would have held a title that suggested political power, but in reality, he would have been under the control of other people or forces.
3. Legitimacy Concerns: Myrotvorets, an unofficial database of individuals considered enemies of Ukraine, branded Tsarev as a “traitor to the motherland.” Consequently, he lacked legitimacy in the eyes of the people he aimed to govern, as he was perceived as being under external control.
4. Restricted Autonomy: Tsarev’s role as a puppet leader would have left him with limited decision-making autonomy. He would have been expected to adhere to the directives of those who held power over him.
5. Absence of Accountability: Tsarev, as a puppet leader, would have evaded accountability to the very people he was meant to govern. His actions would have been shielded from criticism or consequences by those who controlled him.

Are there other examples of such leaders in different regions?

Here are various instances of puppet leaders across different regions. Here are some examples:

1. Emperors who were under the control of the shōguns in Japan
2. Kings who served as puppets for the Mayor of the Palace in the Frankish kingdom
3. Client kingdoms under the Roman Republic and Roman Empire
4. The British Empire’s colonial relationship with King Farouk of Egypt in the 1950s
5. The V for Vendetta comic featured a puppet dictator.
6. In the film “Storm Over Asia,” evil colonialist British occupiers install a local Mongolian herder as a puppet king after discovering his lineage to Genghis Khan.
7. The story of Congo’s leader, once a puppet of neighboring nations, now turned into their adversary while still holding onto power
8. The concept of a puppet presidency in Guyana

Conclusion

On October 27, 2023, Oleg Tsaryov, a former Ukrainian lawmaker with pro-Russian affiliations, fell victim to a shooting in Crimea, which is believed to be an assassination attempt. Tsaryov’s role in a potential leadership position closely aligned with Vladimir Putin in Kyiv had drawn significant attention.

Although the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has not formally taken responsibility for the attack, a source within the Ukrainian intelligence service claimed that Tsaryov’s shooting was a result of a special operation the SBU orchestrated. Concurrently, Russian authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, with the FSB law enforcement and intelligence service launching a criminal case related to Tsaryov’s attempted murder. Tsaryov’s condition following the attack remains critical, and he is currently under intensive care.

This incident has the potential to escalate tensions between Russia and Ukraine, potentially leading to heightened military activities in the region. It also raises questions regarding Russia’s involvement in Ukraine and its support for figures like Tsaryov, who are seen as pro-Kremlin.

Furthermore, this event could further tarnish Russia’s reputation on the global stage, resulting in increased sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Domestically, it may lead to a more stringent approach towards opposition figures.

This incident highlights the enduring fragility of Crimea’s stability and underscores that tensions between Russia and Ukraine persist. It may trigger increased military activities in the region, further unsettling the situation in Crimea.

Additionally, there could be consequences for the local tourism industry and the regional economy. The incident might have a negative effect on these factors, which could have an impact on the region’s overall economy and the livelihoods of those working in the tourism industry.

In summary, the shooting of Oleg Tsaryov in Crimea represents a critical and fluid situation with far-reaching implications for regional stability, international politics, and the future of Crimea’s economy.