Pro-Russian Fugitive Ukrainian Politician Viktor Medvedchuk Sanctions 2021
Who Is Viktor Medvedchuk ?
Ukrainian Politician Viktor Medvedchuk, with close ties to Russia, resurfaced in public life in 2023 despite being captured by Ukrainian forces in 2022. A prominent pro-Russia figure, Medvedchuk is known for his association with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In January 2023, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revoked Medvedchuk’s Ukrainian citizenship along with three others.
US Sanctions Ukrainian Politician Viktor Medvedchuk Responsible for Destabilization Activities in Ukraine
On January 20, 2022, the US said that ” Russia has directed its intelligence services to recruit current and former Ukrainian government officials to prepare to take over the government of Ukraine and to control Ukraine’s critical infrastructure with an occupying Russian force.
At the heart of this effort are Taras Kozak (Kozak) and Oleh Voloshyn (Voloshyn), two current Ukrainian Members of Parliament from the party led by Victor Medvedchuk (Medvedchuk), who is already subject to U.S. sanctions for his role in undermining Ukrainian sovereignty in 2014. Medvedchuk maintains close ties with the Kremlin, and also took part in directing these activities. “
Viktor Medvedchuk is the leader of Ukrainian Choice, a group through which he has been stirring conflict in Kherson, a province just north of Crimea, through advertising campaigns designed to pit supporters and foes of Russia’s attempt to annex Crimea against one another. A long-time proxy and close personal friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin, he acted as a liaison between Yanukovych and Putin.
Medvedchuk and Andriy Kluyev, the former Secretary of National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, were involved in the development of the scenario that led to clashes outside the Presidential Administration in Kyiv on December 1, 2013. He has lived in exile in Russia since September 2022 after being handed over to Russia by Ukraine in a prisoner exchange.
In 2022, Zelensky posted a photo of a handcuffed and disheveled-looking Medvedchuk wearing fatigues, with the caption, “A special operation was carried out thanks to the SBU [the Security Service of Ukraine]. Well done! Details later.”
UK Sanctions Ukrainian Politician Viktor Medvedchuk
On 13 April 2022 , UK sanctioned Viktor Medvedchuk, a major Ukrainian oligarch with close ties to Putin. In January, the US identified him as a possible Kremlin puppet leader in Ukraine. The US has already sanctioned Medvedchuk due to his involvement in Russia’s invasion of Crimea in 2014. Medvedchuk is subject to a travel ban and asset freeze.
UK updated the sanction on Ukrainian Politician Viktor Medvedchuk against on 17/07/2023.
(UK Sanctions List Ref):RUS1331. Financial sanctions imposed in addition to an asset freeze: Trust services. Date trust services sanctions imposed: 21/03/2023.
(UK Statement of Reasons): Viktor Volodymyrovich MEDVEDCHUK (hereafter MEDVEDCHUK)
is an involved person under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulation 2019. MEDVEDCHUK is associated with a person who is and has been involved in destabilising Ukraine and undermining and threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, namely Vladimir Putin. MEDVEDCHUK has been engaging in actions or policies that destabilise Ukraine or undermine or threaten the territorial
integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine.
Viktor Volodymyrovich MEDVEDCHUK is an involved person under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulation 2019 on the following grounds: (1) MEDVEDCHUK is associated with a person involved in
destabilising Ukraine or undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine; (2) MEDVEDCHUK is or has been involved in destabilising Ukraine or undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine by being responsible for, engaging in, providing support for, or promoting any policy or action which destabilises Ukraine or undermines or threatens the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine. Listed on: 13/04/2022 UK Sanctions List Date Designated: 13/04/2022 Last Updated: 21/03/2023 17/07/2023
Group ID: 15289.
FAQs on Ukrainian Politician Viktor Medvedchuk
Who is Viktor Medvedchuk?
Viktor Volodymyrovych Medvedchuk is a Ukrainian politician and businessman who has been a prominent figure in Ukrainian politics since the 1990s. He is a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin and has been accused of acting as Russia’s point man in Ukraine. Medvedchuk is a controversial figure who has been accused of corruption and treason.
What is Viktor Medvedchuk’s political career?
Medvedchuk was elected to the Ukrainian parliament in 1997 and served as chief of staff to President Leonid Kuchma from 2002 to 2005. He is the leader of the pro-Russian Opposition Platform — For Life party, which won 13% of the vote in the 2019 Ukrainian parliamentary election.
What are Viktor Medvedchuk’s business interests?
Medvedchuk is a wealthy businessman with interests in energy, media, and finance. He is the owner of several television channels and newspapers, and he is also a major shareholder in several Ukrainian companies.
What are Viktor Medvedchuk’s ties to Russia?
Medvedchuk is a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two men met in the 1980s when they were both working for the KGB in East Germany. Medvedchuk is godfather to Putin’s youngest daughter, and he is often seen at Putin’s holiday villa in Sochi.
What are the allegations against Viktor Medvedchuk?
Medvedchuk has been accused of corruption, treason, and collusion with Russia. He has been sanctioned by the United States, the European Union, and Ukraine. In May 2022, Medvedchuk was arrested by Ukrainian forces after fleeing house arrest during the war. He is currently on trial for treason.
