Ministry of Justice of Ukraine.Photo: pravda.
On 05 July 2024, the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine filed a claim with the High Anti-Corruption Court to impose sanctions on Viktor Medvedchuk and Oksana Marchenko. This step is part of the state strategy to protect national interests and fight corruption. This was reported by Time Ukraine Israel, citing the website of the Ministry of Justice.
Sanctions statement: why is it important?
The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine has filed a lawsuit with the High Anti-Corruption Court to impose a sanction pursuant to paragraph 11 of part 1 of Article 4 of the Law of Ukraine “On Sanctions” on Viktor Medvedchuk and Oksana Marchenko. The claim concerns property owned by these individuals directly or through individuals or legal entities. In particular, assets such as movable and immovable property, corporate rights, cash, as well as more than a thousand items of historical, cultural and material property may be subject to recovery.
Who are Medvedchuk and Marchenko?
Viktor Medvedchuk, born on 7 August 1954, is one of the most controversial figures in Ukrainian politics. He was a citizen of Ukraine until 10 January 2023. Medvedchuk has held a number of high government positions, including Member of Parliament of Ukraine in several convocations, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, and Head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine during the term of Leonid Kuchma. He is one of the leaders of the banned pro-Russian party OPPOSITION PLATFORM – FOR LIFE.
Oksana Marchenko, born on 28 April 1973, is a well-known Ukrainian TV presenter and wife of Viktor Medvedchuk. Marchenko is an important figure in their family business empire, which is closely linked to the interests of Russian oligarchs.
Medvedchuk and Marchenko: ties to the Kremlin
Medvedchuk and Marchenko have close personal ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is confirmed by numerous evidences and facts that point to their close cooperation with the Russian leadership. In particular, their activities, business operations and personal relationships are directly linked to the interests of the Kremlin.
Property to be recovered
The Ministry of Justice’s lawsuit points to a significant amount of assets owned by Medvedchuk and Marchenko. In particular, it includes 24 cars, 2 aircraft, including a Gulfstream G650 aircraft and a Bell-427 helicopter, as well as a pleasure boat, Romance 1. In addition, more than 20 real estate objects and corporate rights of 22 legal entities, including regional power distribution companies and TV channels, are claimed for recovery. In addition, the list includes cash totalling over UAH 1.9 million and over a thousand items of historical and cultural property, including watches, jewellery, paintings and interior items.
Expectations from a lawsuit: what’s next?
The lawsuit filed by the Ministry of Justice is an important step in the fight against corruption and pressure on individuals involved in anti-Ukrainian activities. The trial could be a key step in ensuring justice and accountability for actions that harm Ukraine’s national interests.
According to the Time Ukraine Israel portal, Ukrainian authorities continue to work to bring to justice those with ties to the aggressor, as well as to ensure the confiscation of their illegally acquired property.
